In today's world, many young people are exploring who they are – not just in terms of career aspirations or friendships, but also how they understand themselves, including their gender identity. For some, this journey is straightforward. For others, it can involve questioning, rethinking, or expressing gender in ways that may not align with traditional expectations.
As a parent or caregiver, it's completely natural to feel uncertain or even overwhelmed at times. You might have questions or concerns or simply want to better understand how to respond in a way that's helpful and affirming. An important thing to know is that gender diversity is not new, but our awareness and understanding of it is growing. It means recognising that not everyone experiences gender in the same way. While many young people feel comfortable with the gender they were assigned at birth, others may experience or express their gender in ways that feel different to what's traditionally expected.
Supporting a gender-diverse child doesn't require you to be an expert – it requires you to be present, open-minded and willing to listen. Research shows that young people who feel accepted and supported by their families have significantly better mental health outcomes, regardless of their gender identity.
