by tammy | Mar 15, 2026 | Blog, Featured, LGBTQ Advocacy, Parenting
Most parents arrive here the same way. Something shifts, a conversation with your child becomes more serious, a doctor mentions the possibility of puberty blockers or hormones, or, as in our case, Mitchell’s school asked questions I did not expect to answer yet.
And suddenly, you are sitting at a search bar, typing the words “gender-affirming care.”
It is an understandable instinct. When our children face something unfamiliar or potentially life-changing, we want information as quickly as possible. We want reassurance. We want clarity. We want to know we are not about to make the wrong decision. So we Google.
Within minutes, the screen fills with articles, studies, opinion pieces, social media threads, and headlines that seem to contradict each other. Some sound alarmist. Some sound overly certain. Some claim the science is settled. Others claim the opposite.
What often happens next is not clarity. It is panic. Well-intentioned parents who were trying to become informed end up more overwhelmed than when they started.
Why More Information Is Not Always Better
The internet is not designed to help anxious parents think clearly. Algorithms reward engagement, and the content that drives engagement is usually the most extreme version of any argument. Calm explanations rarely travel as far as emotionally charged ones.
On top of that, much of what you encounter online is not outright misinformation. It is something more subtle and often more confusing: information taken out of context.
A twelve-page medical study written for clinicians might appear as a headline without the nuance that normally surrounds it. A statistic may circulate widely without explaining the conditions under which it was collected. A personal story may be shared as if it represents every possible outcome. Parents reading this material while already worried about their child can quickly become dysregulated themselves. Instead of building understanding, the flood of information creates urgency and fear.
In that state, it becomes very difficult to make thoughtful decisions, which is why the first thing parents need is not more information. It is something else entirely.
What Parents Actually Need First
Before parents begin researching gender-affirming care in depth, three things matter more than any article or study.
The first is emotional regulation.
When your child shares something deeply personal about their identity or when medical options enter the conversation, it can activate fear, grief, protectiveness, and uncertainty all at once. Those reactions are human. They do not mean you are unsupportive. They mean you are a parent who understands that medical decisions carry weight.
But fear makes it harder to accurately absorb information. When the nervous system is in a heightened state, our brains scan for danger rather than nuance, so slowing down matters.
The second thing parents need is language that reduces fear rather than amplifies it. Words like “irreversible,” “experimental,” or “rushed” are often used in public debates without explaining how medical care actually unfolds in real clinical settings.
When language is stripped of context, it can create urgency that may not match the reality of the situation.
The third thing parents need is a framework, not answers.
Most families want certainty right away. But gender-affirming medical care rarely works that way. Instead, it unfolds step by step, with careful evaluation and ongoing conversations between families and licensed professionals. Understanding that process is often more helpful than trying to solve everything at once.
Three Grounding Questions to Ask Instead
When you feel the pull to search endlessly for answers, it can help to pause and ask three simpler questions.
What stage is my child actually in?
Many families worry about medical decisions long before those decisions are on the table. Some children are still exploring identity, social transition, or emotional support. Others are only beginning conversations with clinicians. Understanding the stage your child is in can prevent you from racing ahead to decisions that may be months or years away.
Who is already involved in their care?
A supportive therapist, pediatrician, or gender clinic can help guide families through the process step by step. If your child already has professionals involved in their care, those conversations often provide more reliable context than anything found online.
What decisions are not urgent right now?
Pause. I know that having a child who is distressed in their gender presentation can make you, as a parent, want to snap your fingers to make everything alright. I certainly did! You might feel an internal pressure to act quickly, even when no immediate decision is required. In many cases, there is time to learn, ask questions, and consult with professionals before moving forward. Recognizing what can wait allows families to move from reaction to reflection.
A Different Way to Learn
There is nothing wrong with wanting to educate yourself. In fact, thoughtful learning is one of the most important forms of support a parent can offer. But the source and pace of that learning matters.
Instead of consuming information in a rush, you will benefit from a slower, more structured approach that aligns with your values and your child’s current stage of care.
That approach is what eventually led me to write my upcoming book, Gender-Affirming Care: A Guide for Families of Medically Transitioning Youth.
While parenting through medical transition with my own children, I realized that many resources either spoke only to clinicians or were written by clinicians. Very few were written specifically for families going through the process who were trying to understand what gender-affirming care actually involves.
The goal of the book is not to persuade parents of a particular viewpoint. It is to provide context, clarity, and a step-by-step understanding of what families may encounter as they navigate social transition, medical consultations, hormone blockers, hormones, and surgical decisions.
I believe that parents deserve information that is calm, contextualized, and grounded in real experience.
A Final Thought for Parents
If you are reading this because you recently found yourself typing “gender-affirming care” into a search bar, take a moment to breathe.
You do not have to understand everything today.
You do not have to solve every possible future decision right now.
Parenting a transgender child, especially through medical transition, is not a single decision. It is a process that unfolds over time, alongside your child and alongside the professionals who support them. The most important thing you can bring to that process is not perfect knowledge. It is steadiness.
If you would like to continue learning in a calm and structured way, you can sign up for my monthly newsletter, where I share research explained in plain language, reflections from the parenting side of medical transition, and updates about resources for families.
And if you know another parent who might be sitting in front of that same search bar tonight, wondering where to begin, feel free to share this post with them. They deserve a quieter starting point, too.
by tammy | Feb 9, 2026 | Blog, Featured, LGBTQ Advocacy
I have been remarkably quiet when it comes to blogging about parenting trans children, considering that my last post was more than a year ago. Not because this work stopped mattering, not because your kids and mine stopped mattering, but because life became fuller, more complex, and more personal than anything I could easily summarize in a blog. There have been many contributing factors to this, from advocacy burnout to being focused on writing my next book.
Over the past few years, I have been parenting through the realities of medical transition with both my trans son and trans daughter. That experience has changed me, not just as a parent, but as a writer and speaker. Medical transition is often quieter than public debates suggest, but it carries a different kind of weight. There are more appointments, more paperwork, more ethical questions, and more responsibility placed on families.
Add to all of that multiple governments around the world creating hurdles and, in some cases, brick walls for our trans youth to feel affirmed.
It was during this time that I began to notice yet another gap. Parents are expected to understand complex medical information while managing fear, uncertainty, and time pressure. Yet there are very few resources written specifically for families who are trying to make sense of this process in a calm and informed way.
That gap is why I wrote Gender-Affirming Care: A Guide for Families of Medically Transitioning Youth, and why I am blogging again.
What My Work Is Now
As I return to blogging and emailing more regularly, I want to be very clear about my role. I no longer offer one-on-one coaching, group support programs, or peer-led support spaces. Partly because I have other personal commitments, but mostly because parents navigating gender-affirming medical care deserve licensed professionals. Physicians, psychologists, social workers, and therapists are trained to support both youth and families through this process, and that support matters.
What I do offer is different. I write, and I speak.
I provide evidence-informed education, context, and clarity. I write to slow panic, reduce misinformation, and help parents feel more grounded when speaking with care teams, schools, and institutions. I speak from a place of experience as a mother who has sat in on doctor’s appointments while my child asked questions about hormone blockers, and when cross-sex hormones were offered, and as the only parent sitting bedside pre- and post-op. I not only write and speak about medical transitions from my education as a former registered nurse, but also as a caring and concerned mom.
What You Can Expect Going Forward
Going forward, you can expect to hear from me about once a month. I will be sharing blog posts that address common fears and misunderstandings, research explained in plain language, reflections from the parenting side of medical transition, and updates on my upcoming book and related resources.
This space is not about debate or urgency. It is about helping parents feel steadier and better informed as they make decisions alongside their children. If this stage of the journey is where you are now, I am glad you are here. If you have any specific questions you would like me to address about Gender-Affirming Care in future blogs, please send me an email.
by tammy | Nov 11, 2024 | LGBTQ Advocacy, Parenting
Preparing Your Paperwork for Potential Anti-Trans Legislative Changes
In recent years, we’ve seen an unsettling rise in restrictive legislation targeting transgender rights across various parts of the world, including Alberta in Canada and several U.S. states. The re-election of Donald Trump in the United States has further amplified concerns for the transgender community, and the upcoming 2025 federal election in Canada has the potential to place a conservative government in power—one that has already signalled anti-transgender stances at recent conventions. For parents of transgender youth, these political developments can feel deeply unsettling, as they may jeopardize our youth’s access to affirming care and possibly legal recognition.
Once I dealt with the wave of helplessness that crashed over me this past week, I looked around at what I could do as a first step in my little world to protect both my transgender daughter and trans son. I figured it was time to roll up my sleeves and ensure we had all our documents in order.
One of the best ways to protect and affirm your child during a gender transition amidst these shifting political landscapes is to secure their identity documents—legal name changes, gender marker updates, birth certificates, and passports—while it’s still possible. Acting now, before potential legislative restrictions make these steps more difficult, is a proactive measure that ensures your child can live safely and confidently in their affirmed gender. Here’s a guide on how to navigate this process and prepare for the future.
Why Act Now? Understanding the Urgency
The wave of anti-transgender laws and policies in Alberta and the United States serves as a stark reminder that trans rights can be vulnerable to political shifts. Changing laws may restrict access to gender markers and name changes, impose limitations on medical and social support, and create additional barriers for transgender youth to live openly and authentically. Waiting until these restrictions are in place could mean facing significant delays or even denials in securing these essential documents.
Legal documentation that aligns with your child’s gender identity can help them avoid discrimination, protect their mental health, and potentially offer smoother access to health care, education, and employment.
Legal Name Change: The First Step
Securing a legal name change for your child is a powerful way to affirm their gender identity and ensure that their documents reflect who they truly are. In most provinces and territories, parents can apply for a name change on behalf of a minor with appropriate legal consent.
Having a legal name change in place means that your child’s school records, medical records, and future employment documents will all reflect their chosen name, reducing the risk of misgendering and other issues that can arise from mismatched documentation. This is also a great reversible way to show your child that you are supporting them on their gender journey.
Updating Gender Markers and Birth Certificates
Changing gender markers on identity documents is often one of the most impactful steps for transgender youth, as it directly affirms their gender in official records. While policies for updating gender markers vary across Canada, some provinces have recently made the process easier–for now.
Check Your State or Province’s Process. Some provinces require a medical professional’s letter confirming that the individual identifies as a different gender, while others only need a parental affidavit. Make sure to understand what’s needed in your location.
- Birth Certificates: Many provinces allow for the re-issuance of birth certificates to reflect updated names and gender markers. Check your province’s requirements and submit your child’s new legal name and gender marker documentation.
- Government IDs: Update your child’s provincial ID, driver’s licence if they have one and health card with their new name and gender marker. This is often straightforward if you’ve already completed the legal name change and gender marker process.
- Passports: For Canadian passports, you’ll need to submit the updated birth certificate, legal name change documentation, and other ID forms.
Be Aware of Fees and Processing Times: As with name changes, birth certificates, ID, and passport applications can take time. Plan ahead to avoid delays, especially if you plan to travel.
Ensuring that your child’s legal name and gender marker aligns with their identity reduces the chances of facing discrimination and scrutiny in situations like travel, school registrations, and medical visits.
Staying Informed
While it’s essential to take steps to protect your child now, it’s equally important to stay engaged and informed about legislative changes in your province and country. Advocacy groups, legal organizations, and LGBTQ+ rights organizations often provide updates and action steps for allies and parents. Staying connected with these groups can empower you to act when needed, advocate for better policies, and connect with a broader community of allies and supporters. Supportive caregivers can make a powerful impact in pushing back against anti-trans policies and promoting a future where all youth can live authentically and safely.
Trans Love and Joy is Resistance
The process of updating legal documents for your transgender child can feel daunting, but it’s an essential step in securing their well-being and identity. By acting now, you’re not only providing your child with the tools to live authentically but also safeguarding them from potential restrictions that may arise.
In times of political uncertainty, actions like these remind us that love and determination can make a profound difference. With each step, you’re telling your child, “I see you, I believe in you, and I will do everything I can to protect and affirm you.”
Download the ebook Defining Transgender here to stay in touch through my newsletter for announcements about my next book on supporting youth through a medical transition. In the meantime, you can grab your copy of my first book Beyond Pronouns: The Essential Guide for Parents of Trans Children.
by tammy | Jun 12, 2023 | Blog, Featured, LGBTQ Advocacy, Parenting
Our home was filled with musicals instead of football and hockey games while my children were growing up. How much of that was influenced by my preference for a theatre seat over an arena? We’ll never know. The point is that for years I have been able to avoid the topic of trans kids in sports because my kids didn’t play in organized gendered leagues. I also avoided the subject because it’s complex, nuanced, and not easily brushed aside with a canned response. But the public discourse on whether transgender children should be allowed to play sports is too loud and insidious to ignore any longer. Here are my well-researched thoughts on transgender kids and sports.
The Benefits
First, I want to address the physical and mental health benefits for all children participating in a sport they love to play. Kids learn about teamwork, the life lessons of winning or losing with grace, self-confidence, goal setting, time management and having fun while developing motor skills. Not including transgender kids in sports purposefully removes these benefits from their lives. However, including trans children in sports offers benefits to their teammates too! It teaches them inclusion and encourages values of non-discrimination, and it broadens their perspectives and allows for the development of empathy. Co-ed recreational teams have existed for decades at all age levels breaking down gender stereotypes and fostering inclusivity, empowerment, and self-confidence.
A Little Dose of Reality
I learned early on with my theatre kids that not every child who takes acting classes goes on to star in a Hollywood movie and even fewer win an Oscar—despite thousands of moms thinking their baby is the cutest thing alive. But that doesn’t mean they can’t love the theatre and have fun with every play. The same applies to sports. Not all sports players are destined to be in professional leagues and the Olympics. We need to let kids be kids and play sports for fun, and those children don’t need strangers to medically examine them before chasing a ball down the pitch and getting excited about it going into a net, even if it’s their own. There is a danger to all children when gender policing could subject girls to invasive tests or accusations of being “too masculine” or “too good” at their sport to play or compete.
Clarifying Transgender Terms
A child who socially transitions and only changes their pronouns and gender expression before puberty is a very different situation than a youth or young adult going through puberty or a medical transition. Before puberty, and when on puberty blockers, the child is a hormonal blank slate. Discussing physical differences between boys and girls shouldn’t exist because there are no secondary sex characteristics in pre-pubescent children.
My transgender son is on testosterone and has facial hair, body hair, broad muscular shoulders and he regularly works out. According to many new rules regarding trans kids in sports, he would be forced to compete on a girl’s team. Suppose you believe that transgender people should compete according to their sex assigned at birth in order to “protect” female athletes against unfair advantages that a trans girl might have. Do you really want my 18-year-old son to compete while on testosterone against female athletes? No. Let’s be honest, this is way more about trans women than trans men and reinforces the patriarchy, policing women’s bodies and stereotypes that women are weak and in need of protection and can’t “play like a boy.”
The Veiled and Overt Discrimination
Before we go around claiming that allowing trans girls to play sports will change the entire face of athletic competition, it’s essential to understand the reality of transgender women when it comes to sports. Saying they have an advantage just because they are transgender overlooks what they actually go through. They face a lot of challenges that give them a tougher time in many other aspects of life. They deal with higher rates of bullying, anxiety, and depression, making it much harder to train and compete. On top of that, they often face issues like homelessness and poverty due to family rejection, and getting to a competitive level in every sport is a very expensive endeavour. It’s no wonder we see so few transgender athletes dominating college sports or medalling in the Olympics. It’s not as simple as saying they have a physical advantage (which is scientifically debunked); there’s a lot more to consider.
I will admit to having been lulled into the idea that maybe transgender athletes should have their own separate leagues like we’re back in the “separate but equal” days. Can you imagine? Apart from all the reasons I’ve already mentioned about why this is unnecessary and the fact that there never would be enough trans athletes to create entire leagues because they are 1% of the population instead of 50%, it’s just plain unfair. Look at women’s sports leagues as an example. Separate doesn’t mean equal at all! Female athletes constantly face fewer rewards, less media attention, and lower pay. (Which, I might argue, is why some are so reluctant to welcome transgender women in their competitions.) If we had a transgender sports league, you can bet it would be dealing with the same problems.
Ultimately, I encourage everyone to let trans kids be kids and play sports like every other child on the team they feel most comfortable with. When they grow and venture into competitive sports, I say the International Olympic Committee framework gives excellent guidelines to follow that politicians need not relitigate.
Download the ebook Defining Transgender here to stay in touch through my newsletter, and don’t forget to grab your copy of Beyond Pronouns: The Essential Guide for Parents of Trans Children.
by tammy | May 16, 2023 | Blog, LGBTQ Advocacy, Parenting
The Shrek movie played on repeat in our household when it was first released. If you’ve never seen the movie, during one scene, Shrek (an ogre) tries to explain to Donkey that he’s more than what people imagine about being an ogre. They happened to be walking through an onion field, so Shrek uses onions as a metaphor. Donkey, of course, doesn’t understand the similarity: “They smell? They make people cry?” So, Shrek erupts and exclaims that onions have layers and so do ogres. Trans children, like all humans (and animated film characters), also have layers and live full lives beyond their gender identity.
The Breadth of Trans Existence
Transgender kids are students—some with neurodiversity and some with giftedness. They might love reading and anxiously await the release of the newest book from their favourite author. Trans children enjoy extracurricular activities like martial arts, visual arts or acting and are currently practicing for the end-of-school performance. They’re daredevils on their BMX bikes, challenging themselves to new tracks. They’re gamers celebrating their latest level-up. They’re begging their parents for a dog and promising they’ll walk it every day.
Gender-diverse youth are learning to drive and interviewing for their first part-time summer job. They’re passing notes in class and laughing at jokes, and creating memories. They’re embarrassed by their parents and think they know more than them. They need to clean their rooms and eat their vegetables. They make mistakes, learn from them, and then make different mistakes. Life is so much more for them than their body parts and what clothes they wear.
Who is not letting kids be kids?
A repeated comment on my social media posts and one of the loudest rallying cries I hear from people who oppose trans children is to “let kids be kids.” I’d love to! Every day that I don’t have to validate my kids’ existence to someone spouting hateful rhetoric, I’m letting my kids be kids. Funnily enough, the people demanding to let kids be kids are the exact people who focus on children’s genitalia and sexuality without understanding what being transgender as a child truly means.
Defining Transgender: Transgender and nonbinary people have a gender identity (how they think of themselves) or gender expression (how they dress, talk, and act) that differs from the sex or gender they were assigned at birth. Trans children first undergo a fully reversible social transition to the degree of their choosing that consists of changing their wardrobe, pronouns, name, and hairstyle.
When kids are reduced to just one portion of their identity—in this case, their gender and expression—the option to just be kids has been taken away from them. Some are removing their right to play sports despite the physical and mental health benefits. What is more childlike than playing?
Trans kids are not seen by some in society as fully realized human beings because everyone is so focused on the debate around their right to exist.
I speak to other parents of transgender kids and teens on a regular basis, and I can tell you that we are all exhausted and exasperated from having to fight for our child’s right to be themselves. My transgender son and daughter are authentic, beautiful, giving, smart, and caring people who deserve to be seen as more than their body parts or who they will date one day. Think about what they could accomplish if transphobia was removed from the equation. Really, they’d do exactly the same things they have been doing, only without the hate.
Download the ebook Defining Transgender here to stay in touch through my newsletter, and don’t forget to grab your copy of Beyond Pronouns: The Essential Guide for Parents of Trans Children.
by tammy | Apr 25, 2023 | Blog, Featured, LGBTQ Advocacy, Parenting
The pandemic restrictions have lifted for the most part, and many of us are just itching for a change of scenery after three long years. As a result, some families are looking at traveling with a transgender child for the first time. I remember very well the first time our family travelled within Canada with our trans son six years ago and the stress of not knowing how he would be received going through airport security. We are just now planning our first trip out of the country and going through a list of details to consider. Here are some things to take into account before you head out on vacation.
Know Where You Won’t Be Safe
It is unfortunate, but there are still many countries and cities where being a transgender youth can be unsafe. These places may have laws or societal attitudes that are hostile towards the LGBTQIA+ community, or more specifically, transgender children under the age of majority. Some examples of hostile countries would be Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia (read more of this list here), and even some states in the US that are working hard at passing bills that limit transgender rights. Even though those bills are valiantly being fought and opposed, you might face transphobic societal views if you choose to visit a place actively looking to limit where your child can use the bathroom or use gender-affirming medications. Here is a list of states that have created anti-trans legislation that you will want to keep in mind when choosing to vacation in America.
Going Through Airport Security
Going through airport security as a transgender person can be a daunting experience, particularly if the gender marker on your child’s ID or passport does not match their gender identity or expression. In such cases, it is important to know your rights and to be prepared to assert them if necessary. Airport security has guidelines in place to protect the privacy and dignity of transgender travelers in queer-friendly countries, which include offering the option of a pat-down instead of a full-body 3D scanner. Keep in mind it’s important to remain calm and assertive if you encounter any difficulties or discrimination during the security screening process and seek assistance from a supervisor or airport authority if needed. Of course, this means you will want to plan ahead to offer yourself enough time to go through any extra hoops. Here is a great article by the National Center for Transgender Equality on managing airport security.
Traveling With Meds
For transgender teens who are on cross-hormone therapy or other forms of medication, vacationing with these items can present unique challenges. It is important to check the laws and regulations of your destination state or country around taking gender-affirming hormones and the airline regarding the transportation of medications and needles. In general, it is recommended to carry medications and needles in their original packaging and to have a letter from your healthcare provider explaining the need for these items. We did this when we travelled with my son’s testosterone during our second cross-country flight. We’d had his legal name changed by then, which matched his appearance, and there were no questions asked. Better to have the letter and not need it than the other way around! Oh, and if your trans child wears prosthetics or other gender-affirming gear, you should also be aware of the regulations surrounding these items. It is advisable to pack any prosthetics or other gear in a carry-on bag to avoid damage or loss and to be prepared to explain the purpose of these items if necessary.
Resist the Urge to Ask Your Kid to Conform
I get it, it would be so much easier if your child could just be their assigned gender on the day you travel. Easier on you as a parent, that is—not on your child. Asking your kid to suck up their gender dysphoria for a day is not only unfair, but it can also be harmful to their mental and emotional well-being. For transgender people, being able to express their gender identity is crucial to their sense of self and overall happiness. Being forced to conform to societal norms or to hide their true selves can lead to feelings of shame, depression, and anxiety.
This does make life more complicated for us as parents of trans children in a world that isn’t always understanding. However, the burden of conforming to gender expectations should not fall on transgender youth but rather on society as a whole to create a more inclusive and accepting environment. While it may seem easier at the moment to ask a transgender child to suppress their identity, the long-term effects on their mental health and self-esteem can be significant.
Dealing With the Anxiety
Dealing with your transgender child’s anxiety in the airport can be a tough situation for both the child and the parent. Approach this situation with empathy, understanding, and a caring attitude, because your kiddo’s anxiety may also cause you stress. To help manage the anxiety, it’s helpful to take the time to listen to your child’s feelings and concerns and to provide a calm and supportive environment. By researching the airport’s policies and procedures ahead of time, you can help your child feel more prepared and reduce anxiety. Talk through how the day will unfold ahead of time and create some plans for hiccups along the way. With a loving and understanding approach, you can help your transgender child navigate the airport with confidence and ease.
To recap, choose a safe destination, plan ahead, give yourself extra time and support and affirm your transgender child’s gender identity, especially when traveling, in order to ensure that they feel safe and comfortable being themselves. Then, enjoy a relaxing holiday and make wonderful memories!
Download the ebook Defining Transgender here to stay in touch through my newsletter, and don’t forget to grab your copy of Beyond Pronouns: The Essential Guide for Parents of Trans Children.
Recent Comments