Working With Parents of Trans Youth in Turbulent Times

Parents of transgender and gender-diverse youth are facing increasing barriers to evidence-based, gender-affirming care due to political shifts, misinformation, and policy changes. This session will address today’s reality—including the impact of gender care bans, executive orders, and misleading reports like the Cass Review, the discredited concept of Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD), and other harmful narratives used to undermine gender-affirming care. ROGD, a theory claiming that adolescents suddenly identify as transgender due to social influence, has been widely debunked by major medical organizations. Despite this, it continues to be used alongside other misleading claims to justify restrictions on gender-affirming care.

Participants will gain practical strategies to help parents navigate these obstacles, counter misinformation, and support their child’s mental health. This session will also provide guidance on how parents can be a strong, affirming presence in their child’s care plan, working collaboratively with providers to ensure their child’s well-being. Social workers are uniquely positioned to offer families the knowledge and advocacy tools they need, making this training essential for those working with trans and gender-diverse youth and their families.