For families and youth who are transitioning, it is critical to have access to a wealth of resources that will educate, inform and support. This includes books, articles, therapists, medical doctors, community events and more. Special programming specifically for trans* youth will be listed here. Over the years we’ve received many questions from parents and caregivers regarding medical and social transition. Here are some of the questions and answers in an easy to read document.
- CRISIS
- PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
- TRANS YOUTH, FAMILY & PARENTING
- LEGAL RIGHTS
- COMMUNITIES
- SCHOOL
- VIDEOS, BOOKS & MORE
Civil Rights & Hate Crimes Informational Brochures
Need information on your civil rights? Want to learn more about the threat of hate crimes and what to do if you are a victim? Check out these resources from the FBI:
Civil Rights Brochure | Hate Crimes Threat Guide | Hate Crimes and the FBI
If you are transgender and in a crisis situation, you can call in the U.S. 877-565-8860.
This is another great place for help in a crisis situation. They can be reached at 866-488-7386 (phone), by text (text START to 678-678), or on the computer from their website.
Talking to your Pediatrician or Family Doctor (PDF) and what to understand about the History of Transgender Identity and Care in the U.S. via Michigan Medicine
(Combatting) Gender/Body Dysphoria (PDF)
Coping with Gender Dysphoria (PDF) via Michigan Medicine
Medical Tools For Your Gender Journey (PDF) via hormone.org
Name Changes; Whom to Inform Checklist (PDF)
Voice Support / Vocal Well-being
One of the key articles of clothing that transitioning FtM people need is a good binder. In order to appear more masculine, trans* guys want to minimize the appearance of breasts. Binders can be expensive. For those fortunate enough to successfully complete top surgery, the binders are no longer needed. You can donate your binders or get one from In a Bind, a program through the TransActive Gender Center.
Puberty Blockers
Explore these articles from the Mayo Clinic and UCSF regarding puberty blockers for transgender and gender-diverse youth.
If you are a trans man and getting ready for top surgery or a concerned parent, here are some pointers for packing and prepration. If you are just in the consult phase, here are some questions to ask the sugeon.
NASW-Michigan Certified Gender Therapists
Recommended FTM Surgeons / Recommended MTF Surgeons
Stand with Trans recommends the following surgeons:
Dr. Barm & Dr. Deboni (Syracuse, NY)
Dr. Brownstein & Dr. Crane (Greenbrae, CA)
Dr. Garamonne (Fort Meyers, FL)
Dr. Johnson (Omaha, NE)
Dr. MacPhee (Raleigh, NC)
Dr. McLean (Ontario, Canada)
Dr. Medalie (Beachwood, OH)
Dr. Mosser (San Francisco, CA)
Dr. Santucci (Austin, TX)
Dr. Tholen (Minneapolis, MN)
Dr. Wolf (Commerce Twp, MI)
Disclaimer: Our list of mental health professionals and gender-confirming surgeons is provided for informational purposes only. Stand With Trans does not provide mental health or medical services and does not take responsibility for any such services you may seek or receive.
My child is transgender… now what?
If learning that your child is trans is very new to you, start with this guide just for you! Gain advice from parents who have walked your path, learn about community resources, support groups, and tips for having a conversation with your child’s school.
Many of you out there do not have the support you so richly deserve. As “Ally Parents” we have lots of LOVE and understanding to go around. Do you need a friendly ear to just listen? Do you just want to ask a question or say “hello?” It is so important to us that anyone who is transitioning or thinking about coming out has the tools they need. What we can offer is a kind word, a loving, virtual hug, or perhaps a suggestion or two. We will not judge.
A resource from The Trevor Project, which includes tools and guided resources.
Tips for Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth
Based on content from the “Be the Light” series sponsored by the Jewish Women’s Foundation, the toolkit is designed for LGBTQIA+ folks, their families, and community.
Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools (PDF)
Schools In Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools is a first-of-its-kind resource providing a blueprint for safe, supportive and inclusive school environments for transgender youth. The groundbreaking guide, written for administrators, teachers, parents, and other adults who work with youth, covers topics ranging from basic concepts of gender and the importance of affirming gender identity to best practices for restroom access and working with unsupportive parents. For more information on the creation of this guide click here.
AMAZE takes the awkward out of sex ed. Real info in fun, animated videos that give you all the answers you actually want to know about sex, your body and relationships.
Check out the Family Acceptance Project’s LGBTQ+ resources, meant to help decrease mental health risks and promote well-being
A photo editing service that specializes in re-gendering childhood photographs as a way to save those cherished memories while also reflecting a person’s true self
Changing One’s Legal Name in Michigan (By County)
Change of Birth Certificate (Michigan)
Helpful checklist to catch all of the various places (businesses, agencies, etc) to update your name after it has been legally changed
Changing Birth Certificate Sex Designations: State-By-State Guidelines
Sage Metro Detroit developed an info sheet explaining Michigan’s harmful Senate Bill 218 which — if passed — will deny transgender high school students from participating on sports teams that affirm their gender identity and force them to compete on teams that match the gender assigned to them at birth.
Transgender Law Center works to change law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund is committed to ending discrimination based on gender identity and expression and to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, and public policy efforts.
A Guide for Trans and Gender Nonconforming Students.
Metro Detroit/Southeast Michigan
Affirmations is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization serving people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, housed in a state-of-the-art, multi-use facility in the heart of downtown Ferndale, at the Northern border of the City of Detroit.
A collective devoted to creating a safe space in which trans men in the greater Detroit area can build community, find support, and engage in activism.
University of Michigan Transgender Support Groups
Various support groups and resources at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Nationwide Groups/Organizations
Support Group for Grandparents
Check out this support group for grandparents of LGBTQ+ folks, from the Spahr Center in Marin County, CA.
Little SMYALs is a group dedicated to 6-12 year olds to provide young people a safe(r) space to hang out and meet new people, access resources, and gain support.
Trans Youth Equality Foundation
The Trans Youth Equality Foundation provides education, advocacy, and support for transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families.
TYFA empowers children and families by partnering with educators, service providers, and communities, to develop supportive environments in which gender may be expressed and respected.
Founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is the nation’s largest family and ally organization. Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality and full societal affirmation of LGBTQ people through its threefold mission of support, education, and advocacy.
Supporting Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students | Large Print Version
Created by the Michigan Youth Trans Voice (MyTV) youth advisory council, this document is a resource for K-12 staff and administrators of Michigan public schools to help them enhance the treatment of transgender and non-binary students who share space with them.
Check out Stand with Trans’ college preparation resources, including our guide to Michigan colleges and universities and links to the Campus Pride, scholarships and more!
Check out videos with experts in mental health, endocrinology, legal matters, and more in our Facebook Live series.
We have compiled lists of transgender related children’s books, young adult books, books for parents, adult books, documentaries, movies, and television shows. If you have read a book or seen a film that is not on our list, please let us know so we can update our list.
Youth-Written Newsletters
Created and written by trans/gender non-conforming youth, the newsletter seeks to educate and empower their community.
Check out the 2020 and 2021 editions: Issue 1, Issue 2
The history behind the transgender flag, symbol, and colors.