When Kids Say They're Trans
'Essential reading for all parents and professionals supporting young people struggling with the issue of gender identity’ Louise Perry
Being the parent of a gender-questioning child is confusing. There is a lot of advice out there, but much of it goes against what many parents feel instinctively is the right approach. And the stakes are very high if you get it wrong.
There have been many books written for parents who are facilitating a child’s gender transition, but almost none for parents who decide that social or medical transition is not the best option for their child.
Written by three professionals working in the field – Sasha Ayad, Lisa Marchiano and Stella O’Malley – When Kids Say They're Trans is explicitly a resource for parents who want their children to flourish, but do not believe that hasty medicalisation is the best way to ensure long-term health and well-being.
Parents who have successfully helped their children navigate gender distress without resorting to surgery and hormones have done so by actively taking the reins, not waiting until they found the right therapist or doctor. When Kids Say They're Trans will tell you all you need to know, and will give you the confidence to trust your own instincts.
Sasha Ayad, Lisa Marchiano and Stella O’Malley are therapists with extensive experience and refreshing perspectives on gender. In addition to consulting with thousands of families, they have worked together on several important initiatives. The three helped found GETA, an international association of therapists who aim to provide thoughtful treatments for legitimate mental health concerns, without pushing an ideological or political agenda. In addition, Stella is the founder of Genspect, an international alliance of professionals, trans people, detransitioners, parent groups and others who seek high-quality care for gender-related distress.