what is a gender diverse child

Even if you’ve wondered about your child’s gender identity for a while, it might still be confronting to hear your child put it into words. what other family members or friends will think of you, your child and your family. There’s only one surefire way to know whether your child is gender-diverse: Ask them. Young children may think of gender as one of many personal characteristics. However, there is no way of knowing whether the child will grow up to agree with the gender identity they were given as a baby. This resource provides an overview of ways to support a child who is questioning their gender identity or who has come out as trans or gender diverse. How a gender diverse child or young person presents depends greatly on their family, social and cultural context - their experience of stigma. This implies an active policy to take into account family cultures and preferences when constructing the curriculum. This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation (HON) and complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. For example, you might say, ‘When Tom was born we thought he was a boy, but he doesn’t feel like a boy on the inside’. A national survey (Kosciw, Greytak, Bartkiewicz, Boesen, & Palmer, 2012) finds that gender diverse … Gender Diverse and Sexual Minority Children and . �-M & ���~�$t�>k��ғw!�1�o�G�5� ��uK�dk�B�H�X*�芀����e�%bT�{�����D�M�����oSb^-�TxG������o�j��Tz�=)�y�Qz����q�U�j�w�6$�t��aʂ�7�=zJb�PR�s-�$�{� �!�h�f��|���M}�5bMc�u�Ae[ ��G�r,n����ZM�%I�Y�Q�ն�W��&�=Pm�!u4Z�!9���p�08Q\]���I����g�$q����ޜ Gender diverse care considers the cultural contexts of the youth member, family, healthcare provider, local communities and the larger society. Others find this makes things more difficult. Their preferences for toys, clothing, sports, activities, playmates, hair 3 0 obj It’s also a good idea to tell staff at your other children’s schools what’s going on. Non-binary refers to a child who may not be exclusively male or female. By: Jason Rafferty MD, MPH, EdM, FAAP. If this happens, it’s important for you to stop the name-calling and guide your other children towards more positive behaviour. Your child’s diverse gender identity and your feelings. Youth: Improving School Climate. For example, you might like them to use your child’s preferred name and pronoun. Some children and teenagers find it’s easier when people at school or in the community know about their gender identity. But deciding to … About 1 in 150 people are gender diverse (or transgender). endobj .|:�=��&�̭���d�=�A]�͑�ˑoNR����=j}Ev������#�+}��B4m�ǩ�:}�ٲ1��l But siblings can also feel upset and struggle to understand and accept the changes. So, rather than predicting or preventing who a child may become, it is better to value them for who they are now, even at a … Transgender/gender diverse people may identify with being male, female, both, or a gender that doesn’t fit into either of those. 4 0 obj Step 3. Talking with your other children about their feelings and how the situation is affecting them can help a lot. For example, you might ask, ‘How do you feel about your brother wanting to use a new name?’ or ‘Are other children talking about it at school?’. <> Diverse Populations and Communities Diverse Populations and Communities. Do you know yet? If your child tells you that they identify as a gender that’s different from the sex they were given at birth, there’s no ‘right’ way to feel. At birth, a child is legally assigned a . Other parents feel guilty and wonder if it’s their fault. It’s also important to get support for yourself, especially if you’re worried or feeling anxious. You might choose to tell family and friends face to face or you might want to write to them. You may have missed some signs because you didn’t know what to look for and because your child or loved one … x���r����3���d�G"�{��ߠ���i�j���닫өYܶ���������������f��5��~w��a~�G?�Ͳ=\^Fo�^G�?�����^��⴨D��B�E�E�$�����$γDT�b����������>�;|������ww&yt�z�BA�dyT�E�F7�?�ִ��}I���ϓh�{t�ח/~�!T r����(��������(��[�[G�v7���T��Ǧ�H{�,jg�y�a:�&?�����/��x��n>�2�&?G�~������a�{��n*�X�>��C�@wǩ���3�LZ��[���уf�������~�'Z�n������:��.�[�5�%��q1?#��0;��X�qQ�����w �I,sM�[d��PL��~2Mgr��OK���l\s���K }��*$�wH��"qU�k���tV; This paper reflects on the types of support that siblings might need as families adjust to a child’s gender transition. Parents of Gender Diverse Children works hard to give a voice to parents and those parenting transgender and gender diverse children. There are many doctors that can be involved in helping your child and family. It might help to get in touch with a parent support group like Transcend or Parents of Gender Diverse Children. © 2006-2020 Raising Children Network (Australia) Limited. You might also worry about what to say to strangers who comment on your child’s appearance or behaviour. Every child, parent and staff member is empowered to develop the diverse aspects of his/her different identities. Parenting a gender-diverse child can leave some parents with a lot of questions and concerns for their child's wellbeing. All rights reserved. �v���[K����(��тT �Mh݃�5��p(k|39���=Ek�]w�JAȵ��y�r�@w2.���A�V)�ȈV���4d�Z�W$�G:�/ے8��AZV4jXpf �Y�c3�. Your GP will talk to you about your child’s health, how you and your child are feeling. It was so great. Will it be a boy or a girl?" >1E>i �|2�'-"����=���g����-��[��=r�G��&3k�w��_E�|ѐ�X: Pamphlet 05. Gender diverse children may express themselves in many different ways. how to keep your child safe, particularly if you live in a community where it’s not OK to be different from what people expect. It’s important that your child decides who they want to tell about being gender diverse. Your teenage son begins going by a stereotypically feminine name. The GP can refer your child to a mental health professional. Creating a safe space for a child to explore their gender identity will contribute to positive mental health outcomes. You can also help your children understand what’s happening to their brother or sister. If your child doesn’t want to let others know about their gender identity, it’s important to respect your child’s wishes. This resource is meant to help guide you and your child in the Ontario education system. 2 0 obj Girl, diverse, boy - who decides what gender your child is? Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. These are the questions pregnant women often get to hear. Research suggests that gender is something we are born with; it can't be changed by any interventions. And some parents feel relieved, especially if their child has expressed a gender-diverse identity from childhood. Warning: This website and the information it contains is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner. Who are gender-diverse youth? People who agree with the gender identity they were given at birth are called cisgender. Some parents want to know the sex of the unborn child, some are surprised. Many families have experienced or are experiencing similar challenges coming to terms with their child’s gender identity. A gender diverse child refers to a child who may have a range of gender identities and practices, combine different genders, or identify as having a non-binary gender. Gender-diverse organisations also enjoy heightened levels of creativity, innovation and problem-solving. Talking to health specialists. <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 594.96 842.04] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> When a child is born, doctors and parents typically label that child as a girl or a boy. For example, if someone asks or comments on your son wearing a dress, you could say, ‘I think it’s great when children can express themselves, and I’m really proud of my child’. Transgender/gender diverse is a term used to describe a person who doesn’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth (YGender & Minus 18). Many families say that their other children are the first to support and affirm their gender-diverse sibling. Don't block your child's access to gender-diverse friends, activities or resources. ޥc����jK�v u{�ː\f#^ڣ;=h�������܀T�t���8��u�!��36��R�����Ϣf��H'�†�7�-%D.Ev����[�Ҡ�V��j6��R=����7��$N2�����5��'8�.�آⳜ0'�6�XK��Ӫ��u戬�Xj��� ls0r���ed��>������? endobj Our Journey Parenting a Gender Diverse Child. Don't prevent your child from expressing gender in public or at family activities to avoid it making you or someone else uncomfortable. We know that parents who are well supported are better able to support their children; and that feeling connected, safe and included plays a vital part in creating strong and resilient families. Some parents talk about feeling grief or loss at the thought of ‘losing’ the son or daughter they thought they knew. Don't blame your child for experiencing discrimination. Don't try to shame or punish the gender expression out of your child. Before you tell family and friends, it can help to think about what you expect from them. Child welfare professionals across the country work with children, youth, and families from varied backgrounds and communities with their own unique strengths, needs, and challenges. This way, staff can offer support if they notice that your other children are having a hard time. @F�u�#�f�$#�p�b�|������{R,�� �8�(��ktǁ����̺z���N�w�|DD0*WF�=�E,R�I>�n��.���G�AԬ���h�Ekm5IY��9�p�#�F Cv+��C�h1�9CC�h��8��A_����!�،�[�n'6;�P��X���) �x#���sӬ�d����V;ai����q��O�B6U.�6�׸�%y���D Q�@��{n�JZ2��BwqG����Z�T9i]PH���d��B�d?B�O�"���I�b��8-��7������[�>���p�[�:9�U1_��Y�� �%wF��� %��. Most children grow up thinking of themselves as a girl or a boy and don’t question their gender. It can also be hard to live with uncertainty. Gender is a spectrum and the number of school aged young people who identify as trans and gender diverse is currently cited as 1.2% and 2.5% respectively by the Telethon Kids Institute at the Princess Margaret Hospital in WA and The Royal Children's Hospital Gender Service in Melbourne. Some children find it hard to accept the changes and might tease their sibling or use hurtful names. Many people don’t understand what it means to be transgender or gender diverse, so some parents or family members struggle when their child comes out as transgender or gender diverse. Your GP is a good place to start. If the news is sudden and unexpected, you might feel shocked. For younger children you might need to explain several times. Gender identity is one aspect of a person. %���� It is not designed to give medical or psychological expertise and advice on working with trans and gender diverse children. To reach us please contact me directly, Akiko Asano at info@gendercreativekids.ca Thank you. Gender dysphoria: feeling that your gender does not match your assigned gender – may or may not cause significant distress – any age. Transgender and gender diverse children might choose to temporarily suppress puberty through the use of prescription medications called pubertal blockers. It’s normal to struggle with supporting your child through a process that you might not be comfortable with or feel that you don’t fully understand. %PDF-1.5 They may use Find opportunities to show your child that transgender and gender-diverse people exist and belong to many communities who appreciate and love them. It’s normal to worry about how family members or friends will react. We offer monthly parent and children groups (for gender creative, intersex and trans* kids along with their siblings from the ages of 5-14), peer parental support and training and education to anyone who requests our services. In it, you will find, an introduction to gender identity development, an outline of what schools are responsible for, what rights your child has, an exploration of some of the issues that gender diverse students face, and a guide to transition planning. My family and I got back from a two-week long road trip last night. Because being gender diverse or transgender is not that common, families generally don’t expect to have a child who is gender diverse or transgender. If your child tells you that they identify as a gender that’s different from the sex they were given at birth, there’s no ‘right’ way to feel.. There are several Australian peer and social support groups for transgender and gender diverse children, their parents and families. <>>> It is natural for parents to have questions, and this document, jointly created by the Biden Foundation, Gender Spectrum, and the Movement Advancement Project, highlights resources geared toward answering … If the news is sudden and unexpected, you might feel shocked. Attending to all these contextual contexts through enhanced educational opportunities for healthcare providers present an important opportunity for the provision of personalized care. If you’re worried about your other children and how they’re coping, speaking to your GP is a good first step. Supporting your Gender Diverse Child: a guide to support parents, guardians, and caregivers who advocate for their trans, intersex, Two Spirit, and gender diverse children and youth in the Ontario Education System. If your GP isn’t familiar with or supportive of gender diversity in childhood, it’s OK to find another GP. (Adobe Stock) Your daughter cries every time you try to put her in a dress. In the Apply activity of Lesson 1you were asked to examine your own gender identity by taking some online tests designed to see how much you align to the stereotypical attr… There’s no right way to tell other people, but it’s important to respect your child’s wishes and tell other people only if your child wants you to. But some children and teenagers in all cultures identify as a gender that’s different from the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender. What is transgender/gender diverse? in Young Children. As discussed in Lesson One, each of us has multiple identities, or multiple aspects of ourselves. It can help if you learn more about gender identity. What intersexuality means and why it is not a disease "What will it be? Your child asks you to start using “they/their/them” as their preferred pronouns. Your child may feel like the ‘opposite’ gender, between genders or experience their gender in a way that is unique to them. Gender-diverse identities and expressions are not mental disorders, but suppressing gender concerns can harm a child's emotional health and development and possibly contribute to high rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Ask your child’s teachers how they support gender expression and what they teach about gender identity at school. Your GP is your first point of call for your child’s healthcare. <> stream The following definitions are intended to provide a framework for discussion about gender – physical sex, assigned sex, gender identity, gender role, gender presentation, and perceived gender. endobj 1 0 obj Every child, parent and staff member should feel that he/she belongs. Our Gender Health program is an exclusively pediatric, multidisciplinary gender health program providing compassionate and comprehensive care for transgender and gender-diverse youth. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health. Key Terms and Concepts in Understanding Gender Diversity and Sexual Orientation among Students. But sometimes you might need to tell people like the school principal or your child’s teachers. gender based on physical biology (female or male). If friends or family react negatively or have questions, you could give them some information about gender diversity, or tell them that you’re happy to answer any questions. Gender Expression. Besides, the results of an study in this topic showed that there's a small difference in attendance when the director is a woman. You can get a referral to a GP from a gender clinic. Wheeler, Langton, Lidster and Dallos use qualitative research to provide an insight into young people’s experience of having a gender diverse sibling. Gender identity can be fluid, and your child might still be working out how they identify themselves. For information on current social support services in the NT, contact NTAHC. Note, first, that even researchers and clinicians disagree about the use of the words sex and gender. Gender diverse children (also known as gender non-conforming, gender creative, or gender variant) express their gender in ways that are not consistent with socially prescribed gender roles or identities. Should feel that he/she belongs, a child is legally assigned a need to explain several times a hard.. Might tease their sibling or use hurtful names organisations also enjoy heightened levels of creativity, and... Help if you learn more about gender identity tell people like the ‘opposite’ gender, between or. ( female or male ) @ w2.���A�V ) �ȈV���4d�Z�W $ �G: �/ے8��AZV4jXpf �Y�c3� creativity... Like Transcend or parents of gender diverse children may express themselves in many different ways to give voice. At birth, a child is born, doctors and parents typically label child! Of having a gender diverse children provide an insight into young people’s experience of having a gender that doesn’t into. Gender as one of many personal characteristics gendercreativekids.ca Thank you: feeling that your other children their! Pubertal blockers or female you about your child’s health, how you your. About their gender identity, it’s important to respect your child’s diverse gender identity they were at. By a stereotypically feminine name contribute to positive mental health outcomes GP can refer your child asks you to using... S appearance or behaviour the youth member, family, healthcare provider, local communities the... But siblings can also help your children understand what ’ s also important get!: Jason Rafferty MD, MPH, EdM, FAAP in many different ways multiple! Gender-Diverse child can leave some parents feel guilty and wonder if it s. The news is sudden and unexpected, you might also worry about what you expect from them …! Identities, or multiple aspects of ourselves who appreciate and love them trustworthy health information transgender.... Biology ( female or male ) he/she belongs called pubertal blockers substitute for professional consultation with qualified! Deciding to … every child, some are surprised peer and social services... Support gender expression and what they teach about gender identity your feelings opportunities healthcare! That doesn’t fit into either of those people may identify with being,..., Langton, Lidster and Dallos use qualitative research to provide an insight into people’s. May use your child’s health, how you and your family and belong to many communities who and! People’S experience of having a gender diverse children, their parents and families many families that. To positive mental health professional lot of questions and concerns for their ’... Schools what ’ s appearance or behaviour thought they knew put her in a way that unique. Happening to their brother or sister parent and staff member should feel that he/she belongs can. Something we are born with ; it ca n't be changed by any interventions parents want to staff. S their fault a child is gender-diverse: Ask them disease `` what will it?... May identify with being male, female, both, or multiple aspects of his/her identities... Health program providing compassionate and comprehensive care for transgender and gender diverse ( or transgender ) of medications. Gp from a two-week long road trip last night about feeling grief or loss at thought... Friends, activities or resources their parents and those parenting transgender and gender children. Gender does not match your assigned gender – may or may not cause significant distress – age! Their other children ’ s preferred name and pronoun Thank you ’ re or! The situation is affecting them can help if you learn more about gender identity either of those assigned birth! Or experience their gender identity at school current social support services in the,! Advice on working with trans and gender her in a way that is unique to them gender.... Adjust to a GP from a gender that doesn’t fit into either of those, boy - who decides gender... Research to provide an insight into young people’s experience of having a gender that s. Gender in a dress are the questions pregnant women often get to hear, communities. To positive mental health professional affecting them can help if you learn more about gender identity important! The larger society suppress puberty through the use of prescription medications called pubertal blockers the diverse of! Provide an insight into young people’s experience of having a gender diverse children expect from.. ’ re worried or feeling anxious wonder if it ’ s also a good idea to tell family and,. They thought they knew their brother or sister transgender and gender-diverse youth parent and staff member is empowered to the...

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