Open conversations about gender and identity are more pervasive than ever. Policies impacting gender identity and transgender youth dominate the headlines and ballots. How can parents really guide our kids through big questions about who they are and who others are, with openness instead of fear?
Jeanette Jennings, president and cofounder of the Trans Kids Purple Rainbow Foundation — and mom to trans activist Jazz Jennings — shares how her family learned to listen, adapt, and lead with love as Jazz discovered her identity. Later, developmental and clinical psychologist Dr. Diane Ehrensaft helps parents understand what gender is (and isn’t), why it matters, and how to start these conversations at home.
Key takeaways for parents:
Every child has a gender story. As parents, it’s our job to listen to their story.
Talk openly about gender to build empathy and confidence for everyone.
Establish as a family what support and allyship looks like for you.
Expand our own understandings of sex, gender, gender expression, and sexuality to have conversations about it.
Being tolerant is not the same as being welcome.
⏱️ Timestamps:
Follow Jeanette Jennings on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanette_jennings_
Follow Dr. Diane Ehrensaft on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ucsfchildrens/
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ABOUT THE SHOW
Raising Us | Parenting Podcast for Kids, Tweens, & Conscious Caregivers
Award-winning journalist Elise Hu (TED Talks Daily, Forever35) hosts Raising Us, a parenting podcast for grownups raising Big-Question Kids. From puberty and identity to tech and body image, each episode gives you tools to spark real conversations with the kids in your life.
Created by A Kids Co. (a family media company) the show blends expert-backed insights with real, lived experiences featuring trusted doctors, educators and purpose-driven public figures sharing age-appropriate advice so you don't have to wing the hard stuff.
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