PRESS RELEASE

TransActive Education & Advocacy ("TransActive")

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE HERE

Contact: Jenn Burleton, Executive Director
Phone: 503-252-3000
Email: jenn@transactiveonline.org
Website: www.transactiveonline.org

Gender Identity: Transgender, Cisgender, Non-Gendered

 If you are the parent of, or know a transgender or gender nonconforming child or youth, it’s possible you may be thinking about the very concept of gender identity in a completely new light. Perhaps you are examining the way in which you developed a sense of yourself as a man, woman, boy, girl or someone who doesn’t fit “neatly” into a gender category.

(Portland, Oregon, May 28, 2010) - The current issue of the Oregon Department of Human Services Teen Pregnancy Task Force newsletter, “The Rational Enquirer” features an article by TransActive Executive Director, Jenn Burleton. In the article Ms. Burleton discusses the development of gender non-conforming identity in very young children and youth and offers suggestions and guidelines to those who parent, care for or offer services to transgender children and their families.

If you are the parent of, or know a transgender or gender nonconforming child or youth, it’s possible you may be thinking about the very concept of gender identity in a completely new light. Perhaps you are examining the way in which you developed a sense of yourself as a man, woman, boy, girl or someone who doesn’t fit “neatly” into a gender category.

Among the things shared in the article about childhood transgender identity are these facts:

·         It is not the same as wanted to be a fireman or a princess or a Mutant Ninja Turtle

·         It is not negotiable

·         It is not a choice

·         It is not caused by outside influences, single parenting or lack of religious faith

·         It is not a mistake or any less authentic that gender conforming identity or expression

·         It is not a mental illness or indicative of a “confused” child

To read the entire article, click on this link or paste it into your browser: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/ah/re/2010.pdf

For much more information on TransActive Education and Advocacy and the work they do with transgender and gender non-conforming children, youth and families, visit their website.

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TransActive educates the public on subjects useful to the individual and beneficial to the community. We provide necessary support to improve the quality of life of transgender and gender non-conforming children, youth and their families through education, services, advocacy and research.