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Gender Terminology 
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Education & Training in Schools | Medical Considerations | Current Research More Considerations Safety in Schools Most parents of gender variant and transgender children and teens are concerned about their child’s safety at school. When advocating for your child, there are some basic rights to remember. It is well documented that a safe environment optimizes a child’s ability to learn. All children, including gender variant and transgender children, deserve a safe school environment free from bullying, teasing and violence. Bullying can take the form of one or more students directly teasing, taunting, or threatening another. Bullying comes in other, more indirect forms as well. A student may experience intentional social isolation perpetrated by their peers, and sometimes even reinforced by teachers and/or administration. Bullying is a serious problem for any student. Most schools recognize this fact, and many are adopting programs and policies to create environments that do not allow or tolerate bullying. Your school may not specifically name gender expression or gender identity as reasons for bullying, but it does not mean that they will not respond proactively. Further education about gender variance is often needed for teachers and school administrators to respond most effectively. The most optimal approach includes education for everyone—all students, parents, school teachers and administrators—to ensure a safe environment free of fear for all students. Education & Training in Schools Gender Spectrum Education and Training is the branch of our organization committed to providing education to increase awareness and understanding of the normal range of gender variations in children, adolescents, and adults. Our education, training, and consultation services provide a simple, straightforward approach to understanding and addressing gender identity in families, schools, agencies and communities. We provide an overview of how society currently defines gender and how this can be detrimental to those who do not fit into the standard categorization. For further information regarding school, agency, or organizational education and training, see our website at: Or write to us at: info@genderspectrum.org Gender Spectrum Education and Training Washington Office: Medical Considerations Regardless of their assigned gender at birth, some children have lived in accordance with their gender identity since a very young age, living in a way that feels the most natural to them. The onset of puberty, and all its accompanying physical changes, can bring panic and anxiety to parents and child alike. Parents of pre-pubertal transgender children are aware of this oncoming physical betrayal. They are fearful of the potential depression their child may experience, and the consequences of this depression. Rightfully so, many parents are worried their child may experience suicidal feelings if forced to experience the pubertal changes not in alignment with their identity. Simultaneously, parents are often in the dark about the consequences of acting to delay puberty or to offer cross hormones. Medical intervention can be a more difficult decision when your pre-teen or teen suddenly announces they are transgender. This news is almost always shocking and difficult to integrate. We want to protect our children and have them make healthy decisions, yet the changes your child may request can be dramatically life-changing and permanent. In the midst of puberty, a teen can understandably feel a strong sense of urgency as a result of physical changes. There can be intense pressure to make potentially permanent decisions without enough time or adequate understanding. As a parent, the goal is to support your child, yet still have time to make thoughtful, informed decisions. Navigating this terrain without alienating our children can be very difficult even in the best of circumstances. Facilitating physical changes (known as “transitioning”) for transgender children brings new questions surrounding ethics, religion, fertility, and nature. As a parent learns more, some fears may be allayed while new fears are inspired. Parents may grieve for the dreams they’ve had for their child, and may not yet have discovered new ones to take their place. Yet, for these children, the ability to have their bodies develop in ways that feel natural to them can be one of the most affirming things in their lives. The importance of family support during this transition cannot be underestimated. Parents who are just discovering their teen’s cross-gender identity may be more than a little confused regarding appropriate medical options for their child. Your teen, on the other hand, may know exactly what they want to do. Take time to let your child know that you support them. Keep the lines of communication open and explore options together. Discussing what you learn together can work to make the whole family better informed as well as allow for ample adjustment time. However, keep in mind that a parent and their child may have very different ideas of an appropriate timetable. Your child may feel rejected by you if these critical life decisions are delayed indefinitely. During this time, it is not uncommon for families to experience internal conflict and contention. It is an excellent time for families to get supportive counseling and assistance in making these complicated decisions. Current Research: The Family Acceptance Project In this long range project (publication forthcoming) Dr. Caitlin Ryan, of San Francisco State University, examines how family attitudes affect the health, mental health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) young people. The study clearly shows that LGBT young adults who’ve experienced high levels of parental pressure regarding gender conformity report significantly higher levels of depression, illegal drug use, suicide attempts and unsafe sex than their peers who received little or no pressure. |
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