When parents bring their kids to see us at Wildheart Society, sometimes they show up scared. Scared of what this means for their kid, of what it means for their relationship, and underneath it, really they’re afraid of change.

Most people have a hard time with change; so I get it. But what I like to remind parents is that their child has chosen to invite them in as they are living as their most authentic self. They didn’t have to share this with their parents because they are their own autonomous humans, which sometimes we forget as parents.

And I also want parents to know that gender affirming care can not only radically change their child’s life in all the best ways, but it can bring parents and families closer.

My guests today are parents Jennifer and Jeff, and their story is an amazing illustration of how supporting their son, Ben, in being his authentic self became a bonding experience for their whole family.

Check out the full episode to hear about:

• What surprised Jennifer and Jeff as expectations met reality after their son came out as trans
• Why it was key that they held onto a holistic view of their trans, neurodivergent teenager
• How having a trans child forced Jennifer and Jeff to confront their privilege and navigate new fears for Ben’s safety and wellbeing
• How parenting Ben has made Jennifer and Jess more patient, more curious, and better communicators
• Why not having access to gender affirming care would not only have harmed Ben, but taken a toll on their marriage and their whole family
• How gender affirming care gave Ben the confidence to join the rowing team, and what all kids can gain from being able to participate in sports
• Why parents of trans kids need safe spaces of their own to ask questions

Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:

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

Resources:

• Wild Heart Society Merch!
• Donate to the Queer Community Network