FOR PARENTS

How You Can be a Gender-Affirming Parent

As the parent of a gender non-conforming kid, it can be hard to know where to turn. Well here at the Rainbow Kids Toy Network, we want you to know that you're not alone, so we've compiled a fantastic list of resources, articles, and websites that discuss ways you can be a more gender-affirming parent. We hope that you'll find these resources helpful, and that they will help you become an even more fantastic parent than you already are.

Books and Articles

The Gender Trap: Parents and the Pitfalls of Raising Boys and Girls, by Emily Kane
Transitions of the Heart: Stories of Love, Struggle and Acceptance by Mothers of Transgender and Gender Variant Children, by Rachel Pepper
Gender Born, Gender Made, by Diane Ehrensaft, PhD
"What's So Bad About a Boy Who Wants to Wear a Dress?" by Ruth Padawer, The New York Times Magazine.
"Embracing Children for Who They Are," by Jane Brody, The New York Times Blog
"Kids Who Don't Gender Conform Are at a Higher Risk of Abuse," by Alexandra Sifferlin, Time Magazine
"12 Things Every Gender Nonconforming Child Wants You To Know" by Raising My Rainbow
"Partnering with Schools to Support Children with Gender Variant Behaviors and Interests" by Graciela Slesaransky-Poe, Ph.D.
"A Guide for Parents" from the Children with Gender-Variant Behaviors Program of the Children's National Medical Center

Organizations and Programs

Gender Spectrum
Youth Enrichment Services, LGBT Center of NYC (Manhattan)
The TransParents Project, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) NYC
The Gender and Family Project, Ackerman Institute for the Family
Stepping Stones
Gender and Sexuality Development Program, Children's National Medical Center
Trans Youth Family Allies

Blogs and Online Resources

Pink Is For Boys
Accepting Dad
Raising My Rainbow
Sarah Hoffman, On Parenting a Boy who is Different
Books Looking at Gender, from the Welcoming Schools Project