If you're hazy on the definitions of and differences between "sex," "gender," and "sexual orientation," check out the glossary or the first "level-setting" page for critical details. Knowing these terms will help you a ton, not only on R2T2 but, more importantly, as you support your queer or trans young person!
Parents — whether biological, foster, or adoptive — are the most important influence in childrens early years. They also remain pivotal once their kids start school.
In the lives of queer and trans tweens and teens, parents are critical to the mental and emotional welfare of their children. The affirmation that queer and trans young people receive outside the home is deeply important. But unsupportive parents can make their queer and trans children's lives difficult — even traumatic — emotionally, financially, physically, and sexually.
Embrace the role you have; you can make an immeasurable difference for your child. Yes, this may require some hard internal work, and that won't always be fun. But you're here, which means you want to do the right thing. Thank you!
