Resources and Ways to Help

With so much disinformation and transphobia on the internet, it can be hard to find the resources needed to support transgender youth. Here is a list of a few resources I can recommend. It’s not a complete list by any means, but it’s a start.

If you have a resource not mentioned here, please contact me at amber@lovetothemax.net and let me know so I can add it too!

Want to be updated when a new resource hits the web? Join my email list and I’ll help keep you in the loop!

If you are in crisis:

Contact the Trevor Project – a suicide prevention organization focused specifically on the LGBTQ community. CLICK HERE TO REACH A COUNSELOR.

Trans Lifeline connects trans people to the community support and resources needed to survive and thrive. 877-565-8860

Dial 988 to be connected to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Parents and guardians:

Currently, parents of transgender children in Texas have a temporary court injunction protecting them from a CPS investigation (based solely on the fact that their child is transgender). However, this injunction only covers Texas parents and guardians who are members of PFLAG. You can join either a local or a national chapter and your membership will protect you from CPS, even retroactively. Click here to join.

Supporting and Caring for Transgender Children

Non-binary, Gender Fluid, & Gender Expansive Youth: FAQ for Parents & Guardians

Going Public: Is Public Advocacy Right for You and Your Family? A Guide for Parents of Transgender and Gender-Expansive Youth

Online support groups, forums, and FAQ’s for parents at TransFamilies.org

Connect with other parents of LGBTQ kids by joining (or starting) a PFLAG chapter.

A checklist of what should go in your child’s “safe folder” can be found here.

Healthcare and medicine:

Navigating Transition-Related Care: A Guide for Parents and Guardians of Gender-Expansive Children and Teens

Looking for a comprehensive clinical care programs for transgender and gender-expansive youth? Check out this interactive map and see what’s available in your area!

Schools:

Schools in Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools

For educators seeking training and resources that embrace family diversity, gender inclusivity, and prevent bias-based bullying, HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the nation’s premier professional development program.

Download this toolkit to help trans and nonbinary students be fully equal and accepted in their schools.

Want to start a GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) in your school but not sure if you’re legally able to or what the steps are? Check out this helpful guide from the ACLU.

Legal:

If you have questions on how to change your (or your child’s) birth certificate or other important legal documents (passport, drivers license, etc), TransEquality.org has a list of all 50 states and their requirements here

If you have a question for a lawyer, NCLR, the ACLU, or Lambda Legal may be able to provide you free legal assistance.

Media:

LGBTQ people are in the news all the time, but unfortunately the media doesn’t always know how to best report on this community. Check out GLAAD’s media guide for some tips on language, vocabulary, and best practices to make sure your reporting is fair and accurate

Children’s books with LGBTQ characters and themes:

To be clear: reading a book won’t make a child LGBTQ. But it can make an LGBTQ child feel recognized and valued. Here are a few links with lists of children’s books that feature LGBTQ themes or characters. Now go organize a storytime, y’al!

If you’re looking to donate:

There are a lot of organizations out there doing good work and I can’t list them all, but these are the orgs that I’ve had the best experience with on the ground:

Ways to help:

My 2023 Texas legislative bill tracker and WAYS TO HELP can be found here

Host a postcard writing party. Download this toolkit to get started

Texas residents only: Text ACTION to 80123 and the League of Women Voters of Texas will send you periodic text messages with links to email your legislators to fight for voting rights, education, and LGBTQ rights (etc) in Texas

This is a work in progress! If you know of important resources not included in this list, please contact me at amber@lovetothemax.net. Thanks!