FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 25, 2019
Roz Gould Keith
Executive Director
Stand with Trans
248-907-4853
roz@standwithtrans.org
Farmington, MI: With Ally Moms in nearly 50 states, Stand with Trans will now offer all parents of transgender individuals the opportunity to apply to be “love at the other end of the phone.” With approximately 250 moms currently on the list, another 150 applications waiting to be processed, and the addition of dads and other parents, Stand with Trans predicts that the network of support will climb to 600 before the year is out.
Ally Moms began four years ago when founder, Roz Gould Keith, and another mom were grieving the loss of Leelah Alcorn, a young transgender woman who died by suicide. Alcorn had no parental support and even in her death was misgendered by her family. Transgender youth, parents and allies, can reach out to an Ally Parent, formerly called Ally Moms, for resources, encouragement and a friendly voice. The support is free, and a published list provides a cell phone number and the state where the parent lives.
In order to become an Ally Parent, one must be a parent of a transgender individual, submit an application and agree to a background check. Once that is complete, the Ally Parent is added to the list, provided with a training video and is invited to join a secret Facebook group. To access the list, go to www.standwithtrans.org/ally-parents.
Stand with Trans is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to provide the tools needed by transgender youth so they will be empowered, supported and validated as they transition to their authentic life.
###
I am interested in more information on Ally Parent. My 18 year old disclosed that he is transgender and just started to take hormone treatment. As a lesbian parent parent, I was surprise at my reaction to their disclosure (I am still processing this new information about my son). I am looking for a supportive environment for myself as a parent of a transgender youth. One of my mayor concern is that my son be safe in an environment that may not be accepting of differences and so I also want to be an advocate for him.
Hi Luisa,
Props to you for seeking out information and support! We have a list of Ally Parents here (standwithtrans.org/ally-parents), organized by location. I would also encourage you to consider joining us for a virtual support group, for parents. The next one meets on Thursday, December 9. You can sign up at this link (standwithtrans.org/support-groups). Both services are completely free!
Thanks,
Cam