metro
_ending Support
Transgender program offers outlets to
those facing gender identity issues.
WEDNESDAY
MAY 6, 2015
6Th
Ronelle Grier
Contributing Writer
Nliorld
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24
March 26 •
2^
T
he importance of unconditional
love and support for transgender
teens was the overriding message
at a recent program at Temple Israel in
West Bloomfield, where two specialists in
the field spoke to a group of more than
250 people, including professionals, edu-
cators, parents and teens.
The presentation was spearheaded by
Roz Keith, a Farmington mother whose
teenage son, Hunter, began his transition
from female to male about two years ago.
"Parental support really matters," said
Keith, who has become a staunch advo-
cate for transgender individuals, espe-
cially young people. "You have to create
awareness, get the parents on board and
help them navigate the journey. It can
make the difference whether they live or
die."
The speakers at the March 10 event
were clinical psychologist Dr. Antonia
Caretto and pediatric endocrinologist Dr.
Jacalyn Bishop, both of whom specialize
in the treatment of transgender children
and teens.
Caretto explained the often-misunder-
stood difference between sex and gender:
While sex is determined by biological
factors such as chromosomes and genita-
lia, gender identity is how a person iden-
tifies him/herself regardless of biological
sex. She said there is no known reason
why some people who are born male
identify as female, or vice versa.
"It [gender identity] can't be predicted
by any single factor such as how a person
is raised or exposure to prenatal hor-
mones," she said, adding that the onset
of gender nonconformity can begin in
early childhood or remain dormant until
puberty or adolescence.
Psychiatric problems such as depres-
sion, anxiety and suicidal tendencies are
common in young people who do not
identify with their biological sex.
"Supporting kids is key to their satis-
faction with life and their positive mental
health," Caretto said.
She said it is common for transgender
children and their families to go through
an initial grieving process that finally
leads to acceptance.
"The hopes, dreams and fantasies
shift ... the families and kids go through
similar stages, but the kids do it first," she
said, adding that by the time professional
help is sought, the children or teens are
ready for the transition while the parents
often need time to adjust.
Roz Keith, Dr. Jacalyn Bishop, Dr.
Antonia Caretto
Medical Options
Bishop discussed the various medical treat-
ment options, which include hormones
and/or hormone blockers, voice therapy,
and chest and genital surgery. While exten-
sive medical and psychological evaluation
should take place before beginning any
treatment plan, she stressed the benefits of
early intervention when it becomes clear
transition is the appropriate course.
"Not taking action when it's needed
is as dangerous as changing sex when it
shouldn't be done," Bishop said.
Keith's advocacy efforts include a new
support network, Ally Moms, and a
nonprofit organization called Stand with
Trans.
Ally Moms grew out of an informal net-
work of mothers whom Keith had been in
communication with via various Facebook
groups and through her Wordpress blog,
Call Him Hunter. She formed the group
after the suicide of Leelah Alcorn, a
17-year-old Ohio teen who committed sui-
cide after being rejected by her parents.
Family Support Growing
About 70 women from across the coun-
try, as well as Canada and the United
Kingdom, have signed up to participate
in Ally Moms, making themselves avail-
able to receive texts or calls from teens
and parents. Keith stresses their purpose
is to lend support; they are not therapists
or crisis counselors.
She said an Ally Dads group is also in
the offing.
The mission of Stand with Trans is to
provide education, advocacy, mentoring
and support to transgender youth and
families. Other community programs are in
the works, and a website with information
and resources is under construction.
"We've gotten amazing support from the
community," Keith said. "The biggest mes-
sage is to love your kids unconditionally.
You don't get to choose7
❑
Information on Ally Moms or Stand with Trans
can be found at ww.callhimhuntecwordpress.com.