Gender Dysphoria Hand-Out

An affirming approach by parents for a child or teen with emerging gender dysphoria means responding in a way that prioritizes the young person’s emotional safety, identity exploration, and well-being — without rushing to conclusions but also without dismissing their experience.

Here’s what it typically involves:

1. Listen Without Judgment

Create space for your child to share how they feel about their gender without interrupting, correcting, or minimizing.
Use open-ended questions (“How long have you felt this way?” “What does that mean for you?”) rather than leading or skeptical ones.

2. Use Their Chosen Name and Pronouns (If Requested)

Consistently using the name and pronouns they ask for is one of the simplest but most powerful ways to affirm their sense of self.
If they’re still unsure, follow their lead and be flexible if it changes over time.

3. Validate Their Feelings

Acknowledge that their emotions are real, even if they’re still figuring things out.
Phrases like, “It makes sense you’d feel that way,” or “Thank you for trusting me with this,” help build trust.

4. Avoid Immediate Pressure Toward Decisions

An affirming approach is not about fast-tracking medical or social transition—it’s about supporting exploration.
Focus first on understanding their experience, and, if needed, seek a mental health professional experienced in gender-diverse youth.

5. Educate Yourself

Learn about gender identity, gender dysphoria, and the range of experiences people have.
This not only equips you to help your child but also reduces fear or misconceptions you might have.

6. Support Social Safety

Protect them from bullying, harassment, or unsafe environments at school, online, or in extended family situations.
Advocate for their right to be respected and included.

7. Collaborate With Professionals

If distress is significant, a gender-affirming therapist can help your child navigate feelings and help the family understand options.
The “affirming” model in mental health focuses on helping youth feel seen and supported while carefully assessing readiness for any changes.

8. Keep Communication Open

Make it clear that your love is unconditional and not tied to whether their gender identity changes, deepens, or shifts over time.

In short:

An affirming approach means meeting your child where they are, respecting their identity as they express it, and providing emotional and practical support for safe self-exploration — rather than rejecting, denying, or trying to force them toward a specific outcome.

Patient Guide