Expression — All Articles

How Do I Talk to My Christian Parents About My Kid’s Gender Exploration?

My kid is exploring their gender and asked me to tell my super Christian parents about it. Should I wait until my kid has settled on an identity that fits them?

Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Telling Others, Religion, GenderGrace MangerJuly 26, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Extended family, Genderqueer, Questioning, nonbinary, Religion

Here’s How to Explain Gender Identity and Expression to Kids

How can I teach my kids that a person's appearance does not tell you anything about their gender or pronouns?

Gender, Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Gender, Gender, Pronouns, Talking to Young Kids, TerminologyGrace MangerMarch 15, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression, Pronouns

Should I Indulge My Young, Gender Nonconforming Son’s Interest in Middle Eastern Dance?

My gender nonconforming son has found a new hobby, but will people think it's inappropriate for a 9-year-old?

Gender, Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Gender, Gender, Non-BinaryGrace MangerFebruary 1, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Genderqueer, nonbinary

We Need More Books Like "Made by Raffi"

This book shows kids and adults alike that there's nothing strange about a boy who likes to knit!

Young Children, Books, Books + TV, Expression, Media, GenderGrace MangerDecember 18, 2017#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Book review

My Son Likes Nail Polish, but Our Relatives Gift Only “Boy” Toys

The holiday season is upon us—here's some advice on talking to your relatives about your child's gender nonconforming wish list!

Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Holidays, Telling Others, GenderGrace MangerDecember 7, 2017#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Extended family, Holidays

Adjusting to Your Kid Using They/Them Pronouns

My child just started using they/them pronouns, but so far they just don't seem that DIFFERENT to me. Am I missing something?

Coming Out, Dear MKIG, Expression, Non-Binary, Pronouns, GenderGrace MangerNovember 2, 2017#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Coming Out, Gender expression, Genderqueer, Pronouns, nonbinary

When Is a Good Time to Start a Medical Transition?

My young trans son wants to start hormones, and I don't know what to do.

Gender, Young Children, Coming Out, Dear MKIG, Expression, Gender, Gender, Mental Health, Terminology, TransitioningGrace MangerOctober 10, 2017#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression, Hormones, Mental Health, trans*, transgender

Does Worrying About My Gender Nonconforming Son Make Me a Bad Mom?

My gender nonconforming son tends to push boundaries when it comes to clothes, makeup, and hair.

Gender, Dear MKIG, Expression, Gender, Non-Binary, Telling OthersGrace MangerOctober 5, 2017#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression, Genderqueer, nonbinary

Supporting Your Eyeliner-Wearing Son at Catholic School

Our son is 11 year old and just started wearing eyeliner at home. How do we navigate supporting him at his Catholic school?

Gender, School + Work, Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Gender, GenderGrace MangerApril 27, 2017#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression

What Is a Binder, and How Can My Kid Use One Safely?

Some people wear special pieces of clothing called binders to flatten their chests. Here are some tips for using binders correctly and safely!

Gender, Dear MKIG, Expression, Gender, Non-Binary, TransitioningGrace MangerFebruary 16, 2017#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Gender expression, Genderqueer, transgender

My Son Wants to Be a Princess for Halloween!

This year, your son wants to go trick-or-treating as a princess. How do you prepare for the potential push-back from other parents?

Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Holidays, GenderGrace MangerOctober 28, 2016#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression, nonbinary, trans*, transgender

My Relatives Tease My Son for Playing with Dolls

Family gatherings are plentiful this time of year. How do you make sure your relatives don't shame your son for playing with dolls? Be confident, be consistent, and talk to your son with honesty and love.

Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Holidays, GendertheparensprojectDecember 22, 2015#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Bullying, Extended family

Passing Privilege Out in Public

Today, a parent is struggling with the stares and looks of confusion strangers give their trans daughter because she doesn't "pass." In this very important piece, Karen Thompson talks about passing privilege and supporting your child despite other people's disapproval.

Dear MKIG, Expression, Telling Others, Transgender, GendertheparensprojectJuly 30, 2015#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Privilege, trans*, transgender

Should I Let My Daughter Cut Her Hair?

Today, Grace Manger gives advice to a parent whose daughter wants to cut her hair short. The parent is concerned that either a) this is her daughter's way of coming out or b) people will think she is a lesbian because of her haircut. What to do at the hair salon?

Gender, Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, GendertheparensprojectJuly 9, 2015#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Coming Out

Does Dressing in Drag Mean My Son is Transgender?

Karen Thompson shares her perspective and advice with a parent who saw a picture posted online of their son dressed in drag, and is unsure of what that means about his gender identity.

Dear MKIG, Expression, GendertheparensprojectFebruary 16, 2015#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, trans*, transgender

Gender & Holiday Clothes Shopping

Dannielle Owens-Reid, co-founder of My Kid Is Gay, gives tips to a parent who wants to be supportive of their child's clothing choices over the holidays without making assumptions about gender identity.

Dear MKIG, Expression, Holidays, GendertheparensprojectDecember 24, 2014#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression, Holidays

For the Gender Non-Conforming Child on Your Holiday Gift List…

Julie Tarney gives tips for navigating gender-neutral holiday gift giving!

Young Children, Expression, Holidays, Lists, GendertheparensprojectDecember 11, 2014#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Holidays, nonbinary

Son Bullied for 'Girly' Backpack

Karen Thompson gives advice for supporting a child who is being bullied by the other boys in school because they think his choice of backpack is too feminine.

School + Work, Young Children, Bullying, Dear MKIG, Expression, Talking to Young Kids, GendertheparensprojectAugust 30, 2014

On Short Hair: A Frustrated Essay

"In August of last year I decided to grow my hair out to what I like to call 'lady length.' I told everyone it was because I’d wanted to for a while... If you want to know the truth, I was tired of being called ‘sir’ at the airport."

Gender, Personal Stories, ExpressiontheparensprojectJuly 31, 2014#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression

Handling a Son's Femininity

Julie Tarney, author of My Son Wears Heels, offers advice to a parent who is concerned about their son being stigmatized because of his femininity and friendships with girls.

Gender, Dear MKIG, Gender, ExpressiontheparensprojectJune 28, 2014#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression