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Coastside Pride Presents: Understanding Gender Identity & Supporting Trans Youth with Author of “He’s Always Been My Son”
February 6th, 2022 @ 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Free
Join us for a zoom presentation Hosted by CoastPride with Janna Barkin, author of “He’s Always Been My Son“.
Followed by a panel discussion about transgender youth.
“This inspiring and moving story, told from the heart of an extraordinary family, recounts the emotional and uplifting journey of raising a transgender son.
Janna Barkin’s family has come a long way since their child, Amaya, first told them he was a boy and not a girl and this captivating memoir charts the family’s experiences of raising Amaya, from birth through to adulthood. With powerful chapters written by Amaya’s family and friends, Janna shares personal stories of the support and discoveries her family has encountered and provides a ‘care package’ of advice for families facing similar issues, including a glossary of terms and a list of hand-picked support sources.
Written with warmth and humor, He’s Always Been My Son reminds us to accept others for who they are and will support, educate and inspire anyone who reads it.” ~ From Amazon
There was not an ah-hah moment when I just knew my own child was transgender. My husband and I were very aware that our child was not your average ‘tomboy.” The signs were always there, from the way he insisted upon being dressed, to the so-called “boy” toys he consistently chose to play with, to the way he carried himself and moved his body. (Of course, these “signs” don’t always mean someone Is transgender.)
My understanding and acceptance developed over a long period of time and followed closely with my child’s understanding and acceptance of himself.
Every child deserves to be loved and supported unconditionally. Being transgender is just one more beautiful normal variation of being human.
Today, I support transgender youth and their families as facilitator of parent support groups, workshop presenter, and parent coach. My book He’s Always Been My Son (August 2017 Jessica Kingsley Publishers) was a #1 bestseller on Amazon and continues to be a valuable resource.
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For LGBTQ youth, support from at least one important adult life greatly reduces their risk of mental / emotional health challenges and greatly increases their chances for success. (Trevor Project)
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LGBTQ youth have among the highest suicide rates in the nation.
In all of my work I strive to provide a safe and informational environment for parents, family members, friends, educators, and corporations to learn more about what it is like to be the parent of, advocate for, and above all, love a transgender child.
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The Human Rights Campaign conducted a groundbreaking study in which 10,000 LGBTQ identified youth ages 13-17 were surveyed. 42% said that the community in which they live is not accepting of LGBT people. 26% say their biggest problems are not feeling accepted by their family/ trouble at school/bullying, and fear to be out/open
It is my hope that sharing my story about raising our transgender child and what I have learned along the way will foster more compassion, understanding, and acceptance in our society.
Our family is so grateful to all our family and friends and greater community who have accepted and even embraced our son’s transition. We know we are fortunate in this regard as many do not experience this type of support. I am here to advocate, inspire, educate, and above all save lives. I am glad you are here.
HMB Chamber Ribbon Cutting Celebrates Opening of the New CoastPride LGBTQ Center
CoastPride is proud to announce the CoastPride LGBTQ Pride Center will officially open on
Tuesday, June 1 st, 2021.
The ceremony will begin at 12 noon with a ribbon cutting by the Chamber of Commerce, followed by speakers, dignitaries and a flag raising. Tours of the facility will also be given and the public is welcome to attend.
Please wear a mask and adhere to all social distancing regulations.
The center will be home to group drop-in sessions, both for kids and adults, educational
seminars, visibility activities and is a place of full inclusion for both visitors and residents alike.
CoastPride services from Pacifica to Pescadero and is welcoming of all members of the LGBTQ
community and their allies.
For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.CoastPride.org
What: CoastPride LGBTQ Center
When: Tuesday, June 1 st , 2021 – 12noon to 2pm
Where: 711 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA
Media Contact: David Oliphant, CoastPride Board Member
David Oliphant 650-445-8145
david@coastpride.org
