I Have A Trans 9-Year-Old. I Thought I Knew What It Would Be Like To Parent Him — But I Was Wrong.

The day my son told me he was transgender, I felt a whirlwind of emotions. Relief, that he finally felt safe enough to share his truth. Pride, for his bravery and self-awareness. And honestly, a bit of fear. How would I navigate this? How would I protect him?

I’d spent years reading articles, attending workshops, thinking I was prepared. I believed I understood what it meant to be the parent of a transgender child. But as with most things related to parenthood, the reality was far more nuanced.

My son’s journey hasn’t been about overcoming obstacles; it’s about finding his voice and claiming his identity. It’s about him expressing himself authentically, even when faced with societal discomfort. It’s about learning to navigate a world that doesn’t always understand.

It’s not about fighting battles; it’s about building a safe and loving space for him to grow. It’s about celebrating his unique personality, his love for dinosaurs and his fierce passion for justice. It’s about holding his hand as he faces the inevitable challenges, and letting him know that he is loved unconditionally.

The reality is, parenting a transgender child is not a set of predefined actions. It’s a constant learning process. It’s about listening with an open heart, being a constant source of support, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of his experience.

It’s also about challenging my own assumptions. About recognizing my own biases, and working actively to unlearn them. It’s about understanding that being a parent means evolving alongside my child, not trying to fit them into a mold I think is right.

My journey as a parent to a transgender child is ongoing. It’s not always easy, but it is infinitely rewarding. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.