RESOURCES: For Youth
Frequently Asked Questions for Youth (PDF)
View our list of frequently asked questions for youth.
Frequently Asked Questions for Supportive Adults (PDF)
We also have a list of frequently asked questions for supportive adults.
View our list of online resources for youth. We also have a list of online resources for supportive adults.
We have several lists of recommended reading.
Learn more about how our services can help you with your needs.
An introduction to language used when discussing gender variant and transgender children.
Learn more about coming out to parents/guardians, at school, and to friends.
Online resources for youth
The following is a listing of web-based resources available to transgender youth. We also maintain a list of resources for supportive adults. Aside from the TYFA site, these resources are not under the control of TYFA, but have been evaluated by TYFA and found to be appropriate to the furtherance of our goal: Understanding through Education.
TransYouth Family Allies (imatyfa.org)
TYFA empowers children and families by partnering with educators, service providers and communities, to develop supportive environments in which gender may be expressed and respected.
The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org)
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. It is a nonprofit endeavor established to promote acceptance of gay and questioning youth, and to aid in suicide prevention among that group.
GLSEN (glsen.org)
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
PFLAG (pflag.org)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates in the United States. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced and serviced by the PFLAG National Office, located in Washington, D.C., the national Board of Directors and 13 Regional Directors.
Gender Spectrum (genderspectrum.org)
Gender Spectrum provides education, training and support to help create a gender sensitive and inclusive environment for all children and teens.
TransFamily (transfamily.org)
TransFamily provides support, education, advocacy, and outreach for the transgender community, families, friends, partners, and allies of all ages, through meetings, presentations, seminars, media outreach, and an emergency resource hotline (216-691-HELP (4357)).
FtM Mentors (ftmmentors.org)
This site helps to make it easier for all individuals on the FtM (Female to Male) gender spectrum to find other FtMs locally for support and encouragement.
MtF Mentors (mtfmentors.org)
This site helps to make it easier for all individuals on the MtF (Male to Female) gender spectrum to find other MtFs locally for support and encouragement.
Youth Resource (youthresource.com)
This site helps to make it easier for all individuals on the MtF (Male to Female) gender spectrum to find other MtFs locally for support and encouragement.
Mermaids (mermaidsuk.org.uk)
This site caters to youth in the United Kingdom.
COMING OUT
Considering Coming Out as Gender Variant/Transgender?
Planning can help make this difficult decision easier. Many young people have come out successfully through well-planned efforts. We have information on coming out to parents, at school, and to friends.
Coming out to Your Parents
Most of the time, young people know who they are long before others do. Parents/guardians can sometimes believe that they know their children well, when in fact; they don’t really know them well at all. Disclosure of gender identity that differs from assigned birth sex can be difficult for others to understand and/or embrace. Remember that you have had a long time to sort out your feelings and your gender identity. Your parents/guardian may have lived under the assumption that they’ve always known your gender identity. Depending on the circumstances, they may or may not be surprised to hear your feelings. Have a solid plan of action in place prior to disclosure and remember to be patient with them and their reactions!
Formulating a Plan For Coming Out:
Do your research
Things That Your Parents May Think or Feel After Coming Out (Disclosure):
GUILT:
FEAR:
CONFUSION:
DOUBT:
We have all kinds of families represented on the list and the support of another parent who knows what they are feeling and going through can be invaluable. They can join TYFA Talk forums.
Remember first and foremost that you are an important part of their lives and an important part of this world. You must take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally; regardless of what your parents, friends or anyone else says, thinks or does. Whether you transition now, later or never, love yourself for who you know you are and seek support from a therapist, friends/loved ones or an organization like the ones listed below to help you accomplish that.
Other Resources:
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