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
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:
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!
- 30 Children’s Books With LGBT Characters from We Are Teachers
- 21 Inspiring LGBTQ-Themed Children’s Books from Pride
- Transgender Reading List for Children from PFLAG
- 14 Children’s Books Starring Trans or Gender-Nonconforming Kids from Boston Public Library
- A Kid’s Book About from The GenderCool Project
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:
- ACLU of Texas
- Lambda Legal
- GLAAD
- PFLAG
- Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)
- DFW Trans Kids and Families
- Transformation Project South Dakota
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!
Love to the Max 