Gender expression — All Articles

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

6 Things to Do When Your Child Comes Out as Transgender

After your child comes out as trans, do these 6 things first.

Gender, ListsGrace MangerFebruary 27, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Coming Out, Gender expression, Pronouns, trans*, transgender

Coming Out as Transgender And Gay

When your kid comes out as transgender AND gay, approach the topic with an open mind, and leave behind your ideas about what is “right” or “wrong” when it comes to who we are and who we love based on gender.

Coming Out, Dear MKIG, Terminology, Transgender, GenderGrace MangerFebruary 15, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Changing names, Coming Out, Gender expression, Phase, Pronouns, trans*, transgender

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

Defining: Transphobia

Transphobia is the hatred of transgender people—but it's not always easy to spot in our culture.

Defining SeriesGrace MangerOctober 26, 2017#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Defining, Gender expression, Genderqueer, nonbinary, trans*, transgender

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

Defining: Gender Dysphoria

Many transgender and nonbinary people experience some kind of gender dysphoria. This Defining piece breaks down the different types of gender dysphoria.

Defining SeriesGrace MangerSeptember 12, 2017#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Defining, Gender expression, nonbinary, trans*, transgender

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

5 Ways You Can Support Trans Students at School

We can all work to make schools safer and more accepting for trans students.

Gender, School + Work, For Teachers, Lists, TransgenderGrace MangerOctober 27, 2016#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Bathrooms, Gender expression, school, teachers, trans*, transgender

My Trans Son Still Likes Girly Things

Julie Tarney gives advice to a parent who is having trouble accepting that her child is truly trans.

Gender, Dear MKIG, Gender, TransgenderGrace MangerSeptember 29, 2016#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression, trans*, transgender

Five Things to Know About Gender and Body Dysphoria

Helping your child through experiences of body dysphoria can be really challenging. Here are five things to keep in mind.

Gender, Lists, Mental Health, TransitioningtheparensprojectAugust 11, 2016#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Body Image, Gender expression, nonbinary, 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

Masculinity & Attraction

Dannielle & Kristin respond to a common question: 'If my daughter is attracted to women, why would she be with women who look like men?'

FAQs, Dear MKIG, Gender, PartnerstheparensprojectAugust 23, 2014#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Dating, Gender expression

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

Forced to Wear a Dress to Prom

Youth Writer Linda Sankat gives advice to a young person whose parent wants them to wear a dress to prom.

School + Work, Dear MKIG, Expression, GendertheparensprojectApril 23, 2014#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression, nonbinary