Some advice for a parent please

[BastardtheCat]

Do we have any 'Break it down for you' threads or support threads for parents of trans teens? I've been approached for information by a family member who's son is feeling this way and despite following this board for quite a long time, I'm suddenly at a loss at where to direct them for a balanced and supportive group or information source. So far, all I've been able to tell the parent is to be wary of certain groups.

This parent is starting from ground zero, so to speak - no previous information or experience on this whole issue. Where can I direct them? They're currently accepting of the name change and soon to be social transition, but are secretly feeling a little lost and bereft. Sorry to be vague, Thank you.

Transgender trend for background info, Bayswater support for parental support. May also be worth mentioning Mermaids to explain the different approaches.

Morning. I'm unaware of any parent support threads specifically (although I'm sure there are some and someone will point you to one soon).

I wanted to post a link to Genspect. They are an organisation formed to support parents going through this. They don't have an affirmation only approach. There's lots of support to be found there.

genspect.org/

Oh yes and Bayswater Support and Transgender Trens are both excellent.

The book 'Trans' by Helen Joyce is a good book that gives an overview of the Trans movement.

Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier is also good and looks at the damage the movement is cauing to teenagers amd children.

pitt.substack.com/

This is a link to 'Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans' - lots of blogs by parents in similar positions

And then also direct them to the podcast by Stella O malley & Sadha Ayad : 'Gender a wider Lens'

All of the above but you might find this thread useful. Main focus is GC parents supporting kids questioning personal GI issues in some way https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/4581995-if-your-child-has-come-out-as-trans-what-are-you-doing

Not an expert in supporting boys but maybe something like this...

GI seems to me to be feelings and whilst feelings are certainly important they do change, sometimes slowly sometimes quickly.

Sex is a simple descriptor of the type of biology you're working with and doesn't change.

In some situations it is perfectly reasonable that your personal feelings, will be more relevant to a decision than your sex. But that isn't true in every situation, your sex and sexual orientation, and the sex and sexual orientation of others cannot be given the respect and protection they require if they cannot be acknowledged and discussed, even in private.

www.parentsofrogdkids.com/

Parents of ROGD (rapid onset gender dysphoria) kids may be helpful.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/womens_rights/3744776-ROGD-Parent-Support

Thanks everyone. I have a feeling that the suicide figures are being mentioned by online peers of this individual. Parent is hanging onto them by a thread, it feels.

lilymaynard.com/hyperbole-and-the-trans-suicide-myth/

Send this anonymously?

www.statsforgender.org/

the above might assist. Cuts through the emotional blackmail to actual statistics on suicide etc.

Thank you - I'm grateful. There's lots for this parent to wade through. I've asked them to also have a look at who their son is communicating online as well. As far as I'm aware, this individual teen hasn't shown an inclination towards gender dysphoria ever. They don't have a wide social group but have been spending a lot of time with other teens who are socially awkward and into alternative presentations.

I suggest the Cass Report's interim report would be useful to look at. Hilary Cass notes specifically that socially transitioning is not a neutral action.

cass.independent-review.uk/publications/interim-report/

www.mumsnet.com/talk/lgbt_children

This 40 min film is good but probably more related to girls.

Also the Dysphoric series on You Tube.

Mr Menno on You Tube is good as he is really worried about gay boys being transitioned (conversion).

Ditto all the ones mentioned above.

This series looks at American adolescent boys but much would be applicable here and it’s fairly unique in that it focuses on boys, not adolescent girls.

quillette.com/author/angus-fox/

They need to check his internet history and as you've said, exactly who he is talking to online.