love
family
they needed to figure out the best way to ap-
proach his social transition. On the last day
of third grade, they sent out a letter to the
school community explaining Alex's transi-
tion. It started a dialogue, and marked the
beginning of Alex officially living in the gen-
der with which he'd always deeply identified.
b r i g h t f ut u re
While John's and Alex's stories have many
similarities, they also have notable differences.
John adjusted almost seamlessly when he
transitioned in first grade. Self-assured, gre-
garious, and athletic, his transition has been
overwhelmingly positive, with few hiccups along the way. Exceptionally
bright and somewhat reserved, Alex has struggled with some anxiety sur-
rounding his transition, but he is much happier now, living as the boy he always was.
Both boys have one important common thread, however: families who surround them
with love, and who have unconditionally embraced their sons' true selves. And that can make all
the difference.
children. He is an internationally known special-
ist in the treatment of transgender youth.
https://www.ted.com/talks/norman_spack_
how_i_help_transgender_teens_
become_who_they_want_to_be?language=en
n
CAMP ARANU'TIQ
Aranu'tiq was founded in 2009 by Nick Teich,
who dreamed of a safe and fun place for youth
who felt like they might not fit in at other camps
because of their gender and/or who wanted to
be with others like them. Camp Aranu'tiq has
grown rapidly since opening and with locations
in New Hampshire and California, now serves
500 campers over the course of one year.
www.camparanutiq.org
Blogs / Websites / Additional Resources:
n
transparenthood.net/
n
www.transkidspurplerainbow.org/
featured/i-am-jazz-a-family-in-transition/
n
www.imatyfa.org/
n
www.genderspectrum.org/
n
National Geographic: Gender Revolution:
2017 Special Edition:
www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/
2017/01/how-science-helps-us-understand-
gender-identity/
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