IntraSpectrum Counseling is proud to commemorate National Transgender Children’s Day, observed annually on October 26. It’s a time to honor and acknowledge transgender children of all ages who, for any number of their own reasons, are unable to “come out of the closet” as trans and live as their true & authentic selves.
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The History of National Transgender Children’s Day
National Transgender Children Day was established in 2019 by Jill Rubin Aul, the parent of a trans child. Aul realized that not all kids identify as sons or daughters, or even conform to the gender binary at all. She created NTCD as a supplement to National Daughters Day and National Sons Day, to specifically celebrate and honor transgender kids. The October 26 date was chosen simply because it’s her child’s birthday.
Why National Transgender Children’s Day is Different
Most commemorations on the LGBTQ+ calendar give LGBTQ+ folks the opportunity to celebrate and share in community with others. National Transgender Children’s Day is different because it specifically calls on adults to advocate for this group of children – because they cannot advocate for themselves. Transgender kids face unique struggles, because their ability to find a support network can be difficult if their family and community are not accepting of them. Compared to trans adults, transgender children are much less likely to announce their identity or share the struggles they’re experiencing, because their very survival can depend on their grownup’s reactions to those statements.
We create unnecessary emotional and psychological pain for others when we fail to accept & support them for who they are. The trauma that’s caused when a trans child is rejected by their family, friends, community or society can leave scars that never fully heal. And the current political climate in the US exacerbates this problem. Hateful anti-trans rhetoric and legislation are on the rise and it’s fueling increased bigotry, harassment, and even violence against trans youth (and adults). So now more than ever, it’s crucial that we adults double-down on our efforts to stand up for them.
Why This Day is Important For Trans Kids
- Inclusivity – Trans children feeling accepted and welcomed in their communities has a positive impact on their health and development, and helps more kids feel safer about coming out. Commemorating this day, which holds space specifically for them, gives them a sense of belonging within the greater community.
- Self-Esteem – Receiving love, support and guidance from the grown-ups in their lives helps trans kids feel less anxious and fearful. Self-esteem can have a positive impact on decision-making, relationships, motivation, mental health and overall well-being.
- Equality – Adults accepting and supporting their trans children goes a long way in ensuring their kids will be accorded equal treatment and privileges, now and as they continue their gender identity journey. Longer-term, it also helps creates an environment of increased empathy and inclusiveness for other trans kids.
Observing National Transgender Children’s Day
Here are a few important things we can all do today – and every day – to support the trans kids in our lives. Taking these practices to heart has the added benefit of enabling us to positively impact other kids who we’ll likely never even meet!
- Educate yourself on transgender topics, especially as they relate to children, and acknowledge the biases you may be bringing to the table.
- Advocate for equal rights for transgender children – campaign & protest for more inclusive rights and privileges for all trans children across the country. Ensure your elected representatives are aware that trans rights are important to you. In your workplace and in organizations / schools etc. that you’re part of, advocate for the use of inclusive non-binary language in policies, documents and communications.
- Call out offensive language & behaviors. If you hear / see someone engaging in transphobic language or behaviors, it’s important to call it out. When you do, that person will be less likely to do it again and may be more likely to change their views on what’s appropriate behavior — as will any bystanders.
- Accept the trans children in your life. Be welcoming to your gender-expansive child(ren)! Support them unequivocally and let them know they are loved. With their permission and approval, today is also a great day to let the whole world know how much you love them! (Remember though: it’s NEVER a good idea to “out” someone in your zeal to celebrate them).
It’s up to all of us as responsible and empathetic grown-ups to open our arms and hearts to these kids, to make sure they know they are loved and valued members of our families and communities, and to offer them our complete and total support. And it’s also our responsibility to help create a society that honors non-binary identities, and where transgender people are accepted, welcomed and honored for who they are.
For more information and resources, click the links below.
- Human Rights Campaign: Resources on Gender-Expansive Children and Youth
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Why We Stand Up for Transgender Children and Teens
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National Transgender Children’s Day is observed annually on October 26. As Chicago’s leading psychotherapy practice dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, IntraSpectrum Counseling is proud to acknowledge and celebrate these special dates on the LGBTQ+ calendar. Every day, we strive to provide the highest quality mental health care for clients of all ages and across the spectrum of identities. For anyone needing affirming and validating support or healing with any issue, please click here or email us at help@intraspectrum-chicago.com.
We’re enrolling two new therapy groups, see below. These will fill quickly;