Top 
Tips
For Caregivers of Trans & Gender Non-Conforming Children & Youth
- The child may not experience their gender as others see them.
- This is significant and the child takes it very seriously.
- Continue providing unconditional love.
- If you feel overwhelmed or under-informed, get support and accurate information. You are not alone!
- This isn't about something anyone has done or is doing wrong.
- This isn’t about the child’s current or future sexual orientation.
Sexual Orientation is unrelated to Gender Identity.
- Substantial research indicates that gender identity is hard-wired.
It is not a mental or physical illness.
- Support the child for who they are today rather than
trying to change who they might someday become.
- The child, if supported in their gender expression, has every good chance of growing up to be an exceptional and successful person.
Above all, respect the child's feelings about their gender identity.
While this may be confusing for you at first, do not assume the child or youth is confused about their gender identity. They most likely are not.
