Facts Over Fear

Understanding Trans Youth With Compassion and Clarity

We understand that conversations around gender-diverse children can bring up big questions—and sometimes fears. This page is here to replace misinformation with facts, and fear with understanding.

Myth: Kids are being pushed to transition too early.

Fact:

Children may socially transition (like changing their name, pronouns, or clothing), but medical interventions don’t begin until much later, and only with careful oversight by medical professionals and the family. Social transition is safe, reversible, and often life-affirming.

American Academy of Pediatrics: Ensuring Comprehensive Care for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children and Adolescents

Myth: Being trans is just a trend.

Fact:
Trans people have existed across cultures and history. Increased visibility today reflects growing acceptance, not a sudden increase in identity. Young people now have more language and support to express who they are.

PBS: History of Transgender People/Archive

Myth: Talking about gender confuses children.

Fact:
Children begin forming ideas about gender at a very young age. Providing age-appropriate, inclusive education helps them understand themselves and others. It doesn’t “make” anyone trans—it makes everyone safer and more informed.

NAEYC: Understanding Gender

Myth: Supporting a trans child is harmful or "experimental."

Fact:
Affirming a child’s gender identity is linked to better mental health outcomes, including lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts. Refusing to affirm can cause harm.

Columbia University Irving Medical Center/Gender Identity Program: Gender-affirming Care Saves Lives

Key Data at a Glance

Trans youth who are supported by their families report 73% fewer suicide attempts than those who are not.
→ The Trevor Project National Survey, 2023
Use of a child’s chosen name and pronouns is linked to lower levels of depression and suicidal ideation.
→ Journal of Adolescent Health, 2018
Major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, and American Medical Association support gender-affirming care as best practice.

What You Can Do

Listen. If a child or teen opens up about their gender identity, listen without judgment.
Learn. Use resources like this one to better understand gender development and trans experiences.
Affirm. Use a child’s chosen name and pronouns, and advocate for inclusive environments.
Speak up. Challenge misinformation and advocate for policies that support trans youth in schools and healthcare.