Stephanie Brill of Gender Spectrum, an organization that works to create gender sensitive and inclusive environments for all children and teens, joins The Juniper Center Thrive Live to discuss the stories and language around gender and how that impacts families and parents.

Some Takeaways from Stephanie Brill of Gender Spectrum

• Let’s let everyone be who they are, and let’s help adults know what that means to support gender diverse.
• People just want to be accepted. We want to be seen, have a safe place to be. We want to exist.
• Sexual orientation and gender are two different things. Children liking clothing styles, preferring games, toys that cross gender stereotypes–there’s no indication that the child is gay. They are just breaking out of traditional gender norms that people confuse with sexual orientation–they just have preferences that we’ve put into a box that says these preferences are for a specific gender.
• Tell me more. Puberty and the hormones that come with it can push these feeling to the forefront as your child’s body begins to change. Parents can support their child by listening and validate. I hear that you are struggling.  I love you. I want to understand you. Share with me what your experience is. And if you are struggling, we are going to help you. And if you’re not their when your child first opens up to you, it’s okay to ask for a redo. Let your child know they are loved.

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About Stephanie Brill

Stephanie Brill is the founder of Gender Spectrum. She is considered a thought leader in the field of gender diversity in children. She is the author of the landmark books The Transgender Teen: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Teens (with Lisa Kenney); The Transgender Child (with Rachel Pepper); The New Essential Guide to Lesbian Conception, Pregnancy, and Birth; and The Queer Parent’s Primer and. Her work has been featured on 20/20, The Huffington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, All Things Considered, and The New York Times.