When you support trans youth, you are protecting their mental and emotional well-being by facilitating a healthy process of identity formation. Unconditional love is important, but educating yourself on the trans experience and utilizing community resources can help you craft a comprehensive system of support.

I struggled through the process of finding my gender identity and then later becoming comfortable as identifying as transgender, because I did not have a support system outside of my friends. Then SAFTY helped me to connect to a therapist and get a ride there without putting myself in danger. Therapy allowed me to freely explore my gender identity in a safe space that I did not have access to before. Now, not only am I comfortable with the transgender identity, I have a therapist who I can talk to about other mental health issues.

Supporting a trans/queer person’s mental health journey reminds me of how courageous our community is. As trans and queer people we are often fighting for physical safety and legal rights leaving mental health a low priority. While the world is learning, we still live in a largely transphobic society – leaving us to live with toxic experiences and unsafe avenues to heal. SAFTY provides vital mental health opportunities to those in need while reminding us of just how courageous and resilient our trans and queer family is.

I believe it is very, very important that kids, adolescents and adults (and their families!) have a place to go where they can learn about what healthcare services exist, for help with questions about their gender identity, and to learn about what services exist to help people with their gender transition.

Parents, family and friends should appreciate that when someone transgender comes out to you, they are coming out to you because they trust you.