Afrming Adults

It can also help us find areas of common ground with others. Go through this activity with your child as a bonding exercise and to help you better understand their experiences and the language they use to communicate them. [...] It is often used as an umbrella term to represent a wide range of gender identities and may be called simply ‘trans’ for short. [...] Shifting to gender-inclusive choices in our written and spoken language respects and acknowledges the gender identities of all people and is more accurate as well. [...] Gender affirming transition is the collection of processes or activities a trans or nonbinary person undertakes to feel more aligned socially and physically with their internal sense of gender. [...] Along the way, you may find that the journey of being an affirming adult and providing support to your child feels like a “transition” of its own...and you’d be right. [...] While this model may not apply to every person’s experience or journey to becoming an affirming adult, it can be a helpful lens through which to understand our own experiences and those of other adults in the lives of an 2SLGBTQI youth. [...] While holding space for the emotional process is important, paramount to that is being aware of the direct impact it may still have on your child, and doing the work in a way that minimizes harm to them. [...] - Liz, parent of a young adult trans child33 Boundaries and Consent As an affirming adult, you might find yourself in the position of relaying information or needing to make decisions with or for your child that involve dealing with tricky issues around boundaries and consent. [...] It also includes a series of helpful checklists that can be used to make gender affirming support plans and decisions, regardless of the province or territory you and your child are in. [...] It can be used as an umbrella term to refer to a range of gender identities and experiences. Transmasculine An umbrella term for trans people who identify with or express masculinity.