Championing Inclusivity: How to Support Your Gender Diverse Child
Raising a gender diverse child can be a beautiful yet challenging journey. As a parent, your love and support are crucial in helping your child feel accepted and understood.
Recognizing Unique Challenges for Gender Diverse Children
Gender identity simply means who we believe ourselves to be, whether that's a man, a woman, or neither. Assigned sex refers to how we're labelled at birth based on our anatomy, usually female or male. Everyone begins developing their own gender identity from a young age.
Offer love, understanding, and respect to support gender diverse children.
Gender diverse children, meaning those whose gender identity are not aligned with their assigned sex, can encounter unique challenges at school. These can include:
being referred to by the wrong name or pronoun, whether verbally or on documents
experiencing discrimination and harassment from others
feeling nervous about disclosing their gender identity
navigating gender-separated spaces, such as washrooms or change-rooms
participating in gender-based health and physical education classes
Being a parent of a gender diverse child can be challenging at times. You might worry about how they'll be treated by others at school, by family members, or by others when they grow up. You may question yourself, wondering if there's something wrong with the way they were raised. Your child may also fear being unloved after disclosing their gender identity.
Gender diversity is normal and healthy, and exists across all cultures. It is not influenced by parental actions, nor is it something children do intentionally as an act of defiance. What's most important is for parents to support them unconditionally. Research shows that children and youth who are accepted by their families, regardless of their gender identity, tend to be healthier, have higher self-esteem, are less likely to use drugs, and are less likely to experience depression or attempt suicide.
It's natural to worry about gender-diverse children, but remember that parents and caregivers play a large role in helping them feel supported and safe, both at school and at home.
Introduce gender diversity early: Even at 2 years old, children can distinguish differences between boys and girls. Read books or watch videos with them that talk about being a boy, a girl, or a different gender identity. Highlight how gender diverse people are valued, accepted, and loved by their communities.
Accept them as they are: Avoid pressuring your child to change who they are. Reinforce that being gender-diverse is perfectly normal, no matter what other people think.
Listen for problems that they may be facing: Though they're loved and supported at home, gender-diverse children may face challenges like bullying and harassment at school or in other spaces. Let them talk about their day and their feelings while keeping an open ear out for any safety concerns.
Become an advocate for them at school: Schools must support all children and prevent discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression. Inquire about your school's policies for supporting gender diverse students. Identify allies within the school who can offer support if issues arise.
Seek professional help when needed: Gender-diverse children are at higher risk of being targets for bullying and other forms of discrimination. If you're worried about their emotional wellbeing, consult a professional, such as their family doctor, a pediatrician, or a mental health provider.
Ranging from in-person services to online groups, many organizations provide resources to support gender diverse children and their families. Some of these groups may operate only in specific regions or provinces, though similar services may exist in your area:
It's also helpful to understand the policies that govern and legally protect the rights of gender-diverse individuals at both the federal and provincial levels. Federally, this includes the Canadian Human Rights Act and Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Each province has their own Human Rights Act or Code that applies to their own provincial and municipal governments, businesses, organizations, and individuals.
Supporting a gender diverse child is a journey that requires understanding and unconditional love. By recognizing the unique challenges they face and actively advocating for their rights and wellbeing, parents and caregivers can create a nurturing environment where their child feels valued and accepted. Your support can make a profound difference in their mental and emotional health, helping them to thrive and embrace their true selves.
