2017 Gender Spectrum Conference

Should we allow our trans*+ daughter to wear makeup earlier than her cisgender sister? Does our non-binary child experiment with gender merely because their sister is trans*+? To what extent do these questions come from our expectations of what it means to be a parent? How have religion, ethnicity, and class affected our expectations? Led by four parents of gender expansive youth, this workshop will address these questions. Professionals in mental health, healthcare, and education, we are interested in facilitating conversations about how expectations of parenting shape our parenting. As we’ve traversed new gender experiences, we’ve faced struggles and had celebrations about our ability to navigate the unique experience of parenting gender expansive children. This workshop will provide a safe space for parents to discuss their fears, surprises, triumphs, and to share tips with one another about navigating strictly gendered spaces, such as education, mental health, and healthcare facilities.