There is so much misinformation about trans people out there, and a lot of the kids and families I work with have people in their lives who simply do not understand what these kids are going through.

But I don't think anyone is a lost cause. Almost everyone is capable of learning and growing.

I reached out to today's guests because I wanted to discuss the experience of having a transgender kid while being in a conservative family. 

I met Amanda and Tom, and their daughter Ella, in 2021 when Amanda contacted me after listening to the podcast. They are upper-class, white, and live in conservative rural Oregon.

They have wholeheartedly committed to educating themselves and supporting their daughter through her transition, strengthening their family in the process. They circled the wagons and did the work so that their kid could thrive.



Content note: brief, non-detailed mention of suicidal ideation.

Check out the full episode to hear about:

• How Amanda and Tom realized they were at a point where they needed to learn and evolve to support Ella
• How Tom’s relationship with Ella got a new beginning as a result of her transition
• How Amanda and Tom drew a hard line in the sand on family acceptance
• How having a trans child has impacted their politics
• Why it’s so important to show up visibly and publicly supporting trans people

Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:

• Wildheartsociety.org
• wildheartsociety.org/downloads
• Wild Heart Society on Facebook
• Wild Heart Society on Instagram

Resources:

• Register for Camp
• Donate to the Queer Community Network
• Disclosure