TYFA Brochure
This brochure provides an overview of TYFA services, programs, mission and vision. You may download and print individual copies or contact us at info@imatyfa.org for bulk orders.
TYFA Brochure - Inside	TYFA Brochure - Outside

Changing Social Norms in School Starts With a Conversation:" LGBTQ people are treated as second-class citizens in many schools. Both kids and adults are marginalized by hetero-social norms. Too often, students and faculty alike do not feel they have the knowledge or skills to handle situations."  Author Amy Fabrikant-Egan points out the obvious: the plight of LGBTQ students will not be resolved unless students, parents, teachers and school administrators all join in the discussion.  Here's how to get it started.

"Gender Blog," by Darlene Tando, LCSW, Articles in the series address challenges faced by a transgender person.  Although not dealing with children exclusively, her series does provide insightful perspectives.

September 20, 2011 - One of our own, Patti Gauthier Flynn, has established a Facebook discussion page, Gender Variance, for parents of transgender kids. Join the discussions at this new site.

May 18, 2011 - marieclaire.com - I Was Born a Boy: Janet Mock, now a successful writer with a nationally read magazine, describes her successful journey through childhood and adolescence.  Her inspiring story is an example of how smoothly things can go.  (Read her story)  [Posted in  the Youth and Parents sections of imatyfa.org.]

APA Policy Statement: An official APA policy  concerning Transgender, Gender Identity, & Gender Expression Non-Discrimination, adopted by the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives in August, 2008.  [Permanently posted in the Parents and the Healthcare Practioners sections.]

March 3, 2011 - Oprah Winfrey Network; Lisa Ling visits Dr. Jo Olson, a doctor who treats transgender teenagers, explains how and when kids begin to identify as boys or girls, and helps to define common terms and signs.

October 29, 2010 - The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (SRLP) - FACT SHEET: TRANSGENDER & GENDER NONCONFORMING YOUTH IN SCHOOL: Although aimed specifically at students and parents of New Yourk State schools, this document can be a valuable tool when used in the education of educators.  A PDF version is available for download.

October 14, 2010 - The Huffington Post - Combating Gay Teen Suicide: What Parents Can Do.  "Teens want to be like everyone else, and when they see a gay student getting bullied for some perceived difference, they worry that their own differences -- and we all have them -- will be targeted by bullies next." ...Dr. Harold Koplewicz,  national leading child and adolescent psychiatrist; president, The Child Mind Institute

Passport Rules Changed
Effective June 10, 2010, new policies have been established that make the passport application process easier for transgender people. Now In Effect - The rules have been revised to allow any licensed physician, not just specialists in certain fields, to certify an applicant as transgender.

Endocrine Treatment of Transsexual Persons: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
Published in June, 2009, this lengthy set of protocols for the treatment of transgender persons is the current standard for use by endocrinologists in the U.S. Archived in the Practitioners and the Parents Resources sections of this website.  

Being an Effective Advocate For Your Child
How do yougo about making sure your transgender child is accepted?  Here are some effective guidelines as to how to proceed.  

Assembling a "Safe Folder"
A "safe folder" is a collection of documents that are assembled in a binder or folder.  It will be useful in protecting your family and educating others.  This is something that you should not put off until you I "know for sure." As soon as you suspect that your child might be transgender you should begin assembling this folder.  

Puberty Blockers 101
A guide to puberty blockers -- what they do, what they cost, and how to find an appropriate prescriber.  

Clinical management of gender identity disorder in adolescents
A protocol on psychological and paediatric endocrinology aspects -- Treatment outcome in transsexuals is expected to be more favourable when puberty is suppressed than when treatment is started after Tanner stage 4 or 5.

The Trevor Project
Depression and suicide are among the common results of unresolved gender conflict in teens. The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth. TYFA and The Trevor Project frequently work together to present workshops for parents and other concerned trans youth allies and friends.
On January 1, 2009, Trevor volunteer Randy Stone answered a call from a teen who was despondent and had lost all hope. Randy recounts his experience with this troubled young man in an article published on The Bilerico Project's website.