Oct. 11 marks National Coming Out Day. This is a day in which many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) individuals celebrate coming out, and many may choose to come out for the first time on this day. We recognize National Coming Out Day because showing up as your authentic self requires bravery and resilience, especially for LGBTQ youth. Celebrate the children in your life who are making brave efforts to be who they are today and every day!
My child came out as transgender or gender-diverse, what should I do next?
Be supportive and let your child lead the way.
It’s always their decision to whom, when and how to come out.
Respect their new pronouns.
It can be difficult to begin using new pronouns for your child, but it is important to try to use their preferred pronouns.
Model and advocate for inclusive speech.
Try to avoid binary terms like “boys and girls” and instead use words and phrases like “you all,” “everyone” or “folks.”
Gender Health program
Children’s Minnesota is a resource for your family during times of transition. Our Gender Health program is an exclusively pediatric, multidisciplinary gender health program providing compassionate and comprehensive care for transgender and gender-diverse youth. Our board-certified pediatricians, pediatric gynecologists and pediatric endocrinologists are dedicated to serving as essential medical partners for kids and families along their journey.
