PERSONAL STORIES

Kristin Russo, co-founder of My Kid Is Gay, talks with her mom Rose about coming out, family, and religion. Karin Gomez talks about coming out as bisexual and agender, mental health, and the intersections of many "invisible identities."

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Out, queer educator Sara Schmidt-Kost offers tips to parents. Watch: Dannielle Owens-Reid & Kristin Russo, co-founders of My Kid Is Gay, respond to a parent's concern: "My kid just came out to me as a lesbian, and I'm worried that now they won't have a relationship with their faith." {Subtítulos en Español} GENDER CATEGORY TEST After your child comes out as trans, do these 6 things first. When your kid comes out as transgender AND gay, approach the topic with an open mind, and leave behind your ideas about what is “right” or “wrong” when it comes to who we are and who we love based on gender. Here’s some hard talking advice. IS 13 YEARS OLD TOO YOUNG TO COME OUT? Amelia is a mother and breadwinner. When not working she's spending as much time as possible with her three young sons, friends, and family. In her copious free time she knits, obsesses about science fiction and cult television, and reads way too many books. 6 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT 6. Find. Find your child and yourself some support. First, find an affirming mental health professional for the child who came out to you. Run far, far away from any health professional or group who promises they can help make your child not be trans. This is not the time to help your child “change.”. EXPERT ADVICE: MY KID WANTS TO CHANGE THEIR NAME AND Irwin Krieger, LCSW is a clinical social worker in private practice in New Haven, CT. A graduate of Yale with an MSW from the University of Connecticut, he has provided psychotherapy for LGBT individuals, couples and families for almost 30 years. 7 WAYS TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO’S CHANGING THEIR NAME Buy our book! 7 Ways To Support Someone Who’s Changing Their Name & Pronouns. 7 Ways To Support Someone Who’s Changing Their Name & Pronouns. by Jamey Hampton. So, recently you’ve found out some big news about somebody you care about. Maybe they came out to you as transgender and/or non-binary, maybe they’ve told you that they’re

HANDLING SLEEPOVERS

She looked for all the world like we’d killed her puppy. Lucy pulled us aside, saying, “Fix this!” through clenched teeth. We caved. The guest room remained vacant, and the girlfriend slept in the spare bed in Lucy’s room (with the door open). And I tossed and turned all night. But here’s the thing. 8 WAYS TO REACT WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT AS TRANS 8. Introduce your child to trans peers, positive trans mentors, and strong trans role models. At the same time that you’re looking for resources of your own, be on the lookout for a safe community of trans people for your child. Most trans children are hungry for community, since feeling like “the only one” can be incredibly overwhelming IS PRIDE APPROPRIATE FOR A 12-YEAR-OLD? My 12-year-old is BEGGING to go to Pride this year, but I worry it's not age-appropriate.

PERSONAL STORIES

Kristin Russo, co-founder of My Kid Is Gay, talks with her mom Rose about coming out, family, and religion. Karin Gomez talks about coming out as bisexual and agender, mental health, and the intersections of many "invisible identities."

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Out, queer educator Sara Schmidt-Kost offers tips to parents. Watch: Dannielle Owens-Reid & Kristin Russo, co-founders of My Kid Is Gay, respond to a parent's concern: "My kid just came out to me as a lesbian, and I'm worried that now they won't have a relationship with their faith." {Subtítulos en Español} GENDER CATEGORY TEST After your child comes out as trans, do these 6 things first. When your kid comes out as transgender AND gay, approach the topic with an open mind, and leave behind your ideas about what is “right” or “wrong” when it comes to who we are and who we love based on gender. Here’s some hard talking advice. IS 13 YEARS OLD TOO YOUNG TO COME OUT? Amelia is a mother and breadwinner. When not working she's spending as much time as possible with her three young sons, friends, and family. In her copious free time she knits, obsesses about science fiction and cult television, and reads way too many books. 6 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT 6. Find. Find your child and yourself some support. First, find an affirming mental health professional for the child who came out to you. Run far, far away from any health professional or group who promises they can help make your child not be trans. This is not the time to help your child “change.”. EXPERT ADVICE: MY KID WANTS TO CHANGE THEIR NAME AND Irwin Krieger, LCSW is a clinical social worker in private practice in New Haven, CT. A graduate of Yale with an MSW from the University of Connecticut, he has provided psychotherapy for LGBT individuals, couples and families for almost 30 years. 7 WAYS TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO’S CHANGING THEIR NAME Buy our book! 7 Ways To Support Someone Who’s Changing Their Name & Pronouns. 7 Ways To Support Someone Who’s Changing Their Name & Pronouns. by Jamey Hampton. So, recently you’ve found out some big news about somebody you care about. Maybe they came out to you as transgender and/or non-binary, maybe they’ve told you that they’re

HANDLING SLEEPOVERS

She looked for all the world like we’d killed her puppy. Lucy pulled us aside, saying, “Fix this!” through clenched teeth. We caved. The guest room remained vacant, and the girlfriend slept in the spare bed in Lucy’s room (with the door open). And I tossed and turned all night. But here’s the thing. 8 WAYS TO REACT WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT AS TRANS 8. Introduce your child to trans peers, positive trans mentors, and strong trans role models. At the same time that you’re looking for resources of your own, be on the lookout for a safe community of trans people for your child. Most trans children are hungry for community, since feeling like “the only one” can be incredibly overwhelming IS PRIDE APPROPRIATE FOR A 12-YEAR-OLD? My 12-year-old is BEGGING to go to Pride this year, but I worry it's not age-appropriate. GENDER CATEGORY TEST After your child comes out as trans, do these 6 things first. When your kid comes out as transgender AND gay, approach the topic with an open mind, and leave behind your ideas about what is “right” or “wrong” when it comes to who we are and who we love based on gender. Here’s some hard talking advice. 6 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT 6. Find. Find your child and yourself some support. First, find an affirming mental health professional for the child who came out to you. Run far, far away from any health professional or group who promises they can help make your child not be trans. This is not the time to help your child “change.”. WHAT IS PANSEXUALITY? Often we think of bisexual people as having attractions--emotionally, physically, and/or romantically--to both males and females, within a gender binary. But in the context of greater gender fluidity, even that term has a variety of meanings held by individuals, so even though you are now armed with a dictionary definition of pansexuality,

it

WHY IS MY DAUGHTER GAY? Alyse Knorr is the author of two books of poems, Copper Mother (Switchback Books, forthcoming 2015) and Annotated Glass (Furniture Press Books, 2013), as well as the chapbook Alternates (dancing girl press, 2014). Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming in Denver Quarterly, Caketrain, ZYZZYVA, Drunken Boat, and The Southern Poetry Anthology, among others.

HANDLING SLEEPOVERS

She looked for all the world like we’d killed her puppy. Lucy pulled us aside, saying, “Fix this!” through clenched teeth. We caved. The guest room remained vacant, and the girlfriend slept in the spare bed in Lucy’s room (with the door open). And I tossed and turned all night. But here’s the thing. HERE’S HOW TO EXPLAIN GENDER IDENTITY AND EXPRESSION TO Lindsay Says: Just because gender seems complicated to us grown-ups doesn’t mean that it has to be complicated for kids.We have had many years of the gender binary and stereotypical gender presentations burned into our brains, but kids haven’t! So really, it doesn’t have to be a big complex conversation. Here, we’re talking about the difference between gender identity and gender I'M NERVOUS TO MEET MY DAUGHTER'S GIRLFRIEND Polly Kim is the mother of 22-year-old twins, including a daughter who came out at age 15. Polly joined PFLAG Los Angeles soon after and is now a board member. She has been a science teacher for over 25 years, teaching high school biology, elementary school science, and high school science research. Dear MKIG, Partners Grace Manger August 28 10 THINGS NOT TO SAY WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT TO YOU 10 Things Not to Say When. Your Child Comes Out to You. by Asha French. 1. “Pass the peas, please.”. If you’re taken off guard, your first instinct may be to pretend you didn’t hear anything. For your child, however, this may feel like what it is—an avoidance 8 WAYS TO REACT WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT AS TRANS 8. Introduce your child to trans peers, positive trans mentors, and strong trans role models. At the same time that you’re looking for resources of your own, be on the lookout for a safe community of trans people for your child. Most trans children are hungry for community, since feeling like “the only one” can be incredibly overwhelming CAN I START A GSA AS A TEACHER? Sara Says: Hello fellow teacher! It’s wonderful that you want to start a Gay-Straight Alliance (or Gender & Sexuality Alliance) to support your LGBTQIA students.You are correct that most GSAs are started by students, but it is also common for faculty to assist in starting a group in the hopes that students who need the support will

join.

PERSONAL STORIES

Kristin Russo, co-founder of My Kid Is Gay, talks with her mom Rose about coming out, family, and religion. Karin Gomez talks about coming out as bisexual and agender, mental health, and the intersections of many "invisible identities."

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Out, queer educator Sara Schmidt-Kost offers tips to parents. Watch: Dannielle Owens-Reid & Kristin Russo, co-founders of My Kid Is Gay, respond to a parent's concern: "My kid just came out to me as a lesbian, and I'm worried that now they won't have a relationship with their faith." {Subtítulos en Español} 6 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT 6. Find. Find your child and yourself some support. First, find an affirming mental health professional for the child who came out to you. Run far, far away from any health professional or group who promises they can help make your child not be trans. This is not the time to help your child “change.”. IS 13 YEARS OLD TOO YOUNG TO COME OUT? Amelia is a mother and breadwinner. When not working she's spending as much time as possible with her three young sons, friends, and family. In her copious free time she knits, obsesses about science fiction and cult television, and reads way too many books. EXPERT ADVICE: MY KID WANTS TO CHANGE THEIR NAME AND Irwin Krieger, LCSW is a clinical social worker in private practice in New Haven, CT. A graduate of Yale with an MSW from the University of Connecticut, he has provided psychotherapy for LGBT individuals, couples and families for almost 30 years. WHAT IS PANSEXUALITY? Often we think of bisexual people as having attractions--emotionally, physically, and/or romantically--to both males and females, within a gender binary. But in the context of greater gender fluidity, even that term has a variety of meanings held by individuals, so even though you are now armed with a dictionary definition of pansexuality,

it

10 THINGS NOT TO SAY WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT TO YOU 10 Things Not to Say When. Your Child Comes Out to You. by Asha French. 1. “Pass the peas, please.”. If you’re taken off guard, your first instinct may be to pretend you didn’t hear anything. For your child, however, this may feel like what it is—an avoidance 7 WAYS TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO’S CHANGING THEIR NAME Buy our book! 7 Ways To Support Someone Who’s Changing Their Name & Pronouns. 7 Ways To Support Someone Who’s Changing Their Name & Pronouns. by Jamey Hampton. So, recently you’ve found out some big news about somebody you care about. Maybe they came out to you as transgender and/or non-binary, maybe they’ve told you that they’re IS PRIDE APPROPRIATE FOR A 12-YEAR-OLD? My 12-year-old is BEGGING to go to Pride this year, but I worry it's not age-appropriate. 8 WAYS TO REACT WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT AS TRANS 8. Introduce your child to trans peers, positive trans mentors, and strong trans role models. At the same time that you’re looking for resources of your own, be on the lookout for a safe community of trans people for your child. Most trans children are hungry for community, since feeling like “the only one” can be incredibly overwhelming

PERSONAL STORIES

Kristin Russo, co-founder of My Kid Is Gay, talks with her mom Rose about coming out, family, and religion. Karin Gomez talks about coming out as bisexual and agender, mental health, and the intersections of many "invisible identities."

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Out, queer educator Sara Schmidt-Kost offers tips to parents. Watch: Dannielle Owens-Reid & Kristin Russo, co-founders of My Kid Is Gay, respond to a parent's concern: "My kid just came out to me as a lesbian, and I'm worried that now they won't have a relationship with their faith." {Subtítulos en Español} 6 THINGS TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT 6. Find. Find your child and yourself some support. First, find an affirming mental health professional for the child who came out to you. Run far, far away from any health professional or group who promises they can help make your child not be trans. This is not the time to help your child “change.”. IS 13 YEARS OLD TOO YOUNG TO COME OUT? Amelia is a mother and breadwinner. When not working she's spending as much time as possible with her three young sons, friends, and family. In her copious free time she knits, obsesses about science fiction and cult television, and reads way too many books. EXPERT ADVICE: MY KID WANTS TO CHANGE THEIR NAME AND Irwin Krieger, LCSW is a clinical social worker in private practice in New Haven, CT. A graduate of Yale with an MSW from the University of Connecticut, he has provided psychotherapy for LGBT individuals, couples and families for almost 30 years. WHAT IS PANSEXUALITY? Often we think of bisexual people as having attractions--emotionally, physically, and/or romantically--to both males and females, within a gender binary. But in the context of greater gender fluidity, even that term has a variety of meanings held by individuals, so even though you are now armed with a dictionary definition of pansexuality,

it

10 THINGS NOT TO SAY WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT TO YOU 10 Things Not to Say When. Your Child Comes Out to You. by Asha French. 1. “Pass the peas, please.”. If you’re taken off guard, your first instinct may be to pretend you didn’t hear anything. For your child, however, this may feel like what it is—an avoidance 7 WAYS TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WHO’S CHANGING THEIR NAME Buy our book! 7 Ways To Support Someone Who’s Changing Their Name & Pronouns. 7 Ways To Support Someone Who’s Changing Their Name & Pronouns. by Jamey Hampton. So, recently you’ve found out some big news about somebody you care about. Maybe they came out to you as transgender and/or non-binary, maybe they’ve told you that they’re IS PRIDE APPROPRIATE FOR A 12-YEAR-OLD? My 12-year-old is BEGGING to go to Pride this year, but I worry it's not age-appropriate. 8 WAYS TO REACT WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT AS TRANS 8. Introduce your child to trans peers, positive trans mentors, and strong trans role models. At the same time that you’re looking for resources of your own, be on the lookout for a safe community of trans people for your child. Most trans children are hungry for community, since feeling like “the only one” can be incredibly overwhelming

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Out, queer educator Sara Schmidt-Kost offers tips to parents. Watch: Dannielle Owens-Reid & Kristin Russo, co-founders of My Kid Is Gay, respond to a parent's concern: "My kid just came out to me as a lesbian, and I'm worried that now they won't have a relationship with their faith." {Subtítulos en Español} 10 THINGS NOT TO SAY WHEN YOUR CHILD COMES OUT TO YOU 10 Things Not to Say When. Your Child Comes Out to You. by Asha French. 1. “Pass the peas, please.”. If you’re taken off guard, your first instinct may be to pretend you didn’t hear anything. For your child, however, this may feel like what it is—an avoidance 5 LGBTQ PODCASTS TO START LISTENING TO If you’re struggling to think about gender as anything other than being a boy or girl, this podcast is a fantastic resource to open you up to new possibilities via real life personal experiences. 5. Outspoken Voices. Hosted by: Emily McGranachan. Best WHAT IS PANSEXUALITY? Often we think of bisexual people as having attractions--emotionally, physically, and/or romantically--to both males and females, within a gender binary. But in the context of greater gender fluidity, even that term has a variety of meanings held by individuals, so even though you are now armed with a dictionary definition of pansexuality,

it

HOW TO START USING NEW PRONOUNS FOR YOUR KID 3. Talking to Others. Do exactly what your child asked, call them what they asked to be called, and if questioned by friends/family/coworkers about your child, do not be afraid to explain your child’s transition, no gory medical details, of course, just a COMING OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA Sarah Simon has been writing for My Kid Is Gay for two years. She is an ENFJ/ Sagittarius who usually can be found with body glitter on her face and English Bulldogs on her mind. Sarah is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College, where she studied Queer Theory and Psychology. ON BULLYING: 'HOW CAN I HELP?' Laurin Mayeno is a mixed race Asian/Jewish/Anglo woman and mother of a multiracial gay son. She founded Mayeno Consulting 18 years ago to create inclusive, equitable, diverse spaces where everyone is valued and supported. Her son, who loved dressing up as a princess, inspired her current focus on building support for gender diverse and LGBTQ young people and families in schools, DEFINING: THEY/THEM PRONOUNS The short answer is: They/them pronouns for a single, known person are used the same way as they are for a group of people. Here’s an example to show you how to use pronouns for different people: Group of people: “They don’t want ketchup with their fries.”. “He” (singular): “He doesn’t want ketchup with his fries.”.

HANDLING SLEEPOVERS

She looked for all the world like we’d killed her puppy. Lucy pulled us aside, saying, “Fix this!” through clenched teeth. We caved. The guest room remained vacant, and the girlfriend slept in the spare bed in Lucy’s room (with the door open). And I tossed and turned all night. But here’s the thing. I'M NERVOUS TO MEET MY DAUGHTER'S GIRLFRIEND Polly Kim is the mother of 22-year-old twins, including a daughter who came out at age 15. Polly joined PFLAG Los Angeles soon after and is now a board member. She has been a science teacher for over 25 years, teaching high school biology, elementary school science, and high school science research. Dear MKIG, Partners Grace Manger August 28 Resources About The Book Helpful Links

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“I Didn’t Know How to Tell My Friends.” Michele's Coming Out

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When it came to telling other people about Zoe’s sexuality, we mostly didn’t. But, of course, as with everything else, things were a little more complicated than they initially seemed.

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How Do I Talk About Periods with My Non-Binary Kid? Menstruation is a very gendered topic in our society, but it doesn't have to be! Here's how to talk about periods without invalidating your non-binary kid's identity.

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I'm Nervous to Meet My Daughter's Girlfriend My daughter is bringing her girlfriend home for the first time, and I'm just so nervous that I will say or do the wrong thing. Help!

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7 Ways To Support Someone Who’s Changing Their Name & Pronouns Step one: Use the new, correct name and pronouns all the time—even when they’re not there to hear you, even when you’re just thinking about them in your head.

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Defining: Queer

Many people have reclaimed the word "queer" as a positive way to describe themselves. What does the word mean?

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My Mom + Coming Out

Kristin Russo, co-founder of My Kid Is Gay, talks with her mom Rose about coming out, family, and religion.

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