Supporting Transgender Teens: What Parents Need to Know

The journey that a transgender teen takes from confusion and fear to acceptance and consolidation of gender identity is often a difficult one for them and their parents. It is one for which understanding and support are invaluable. What information is most helpful for teens? What do parents need to know? What type of parental support is considered by teens to be most valuable? In this show, Dr. Tandy Aye, professor of pediatrics at Stanford Medicine, and a pediatric endocrinologist at the Stanford Children’s Health Pediatric and Adolescent Gender Clinic, joins us to discuss the findings of her important Stanford Study, ”Perceptions of Support Among Transgender and Gender-Expansive Adolescents and their Parents.” The study identifies the type of family support transgender adolescents report as most helpful in their journey. Drawing upon her clinical experience Dr. Aye, sets the stage by clarifying gender identity and the common experiences of a youngster who comes to identify as transgender. She then discusses the rationale for her research, the approach she used and her important findings for both teens and parents. Whether you are a teen, a parent, a grandparent, a professional who works with teens or someone who loves them – listen in.