metro _ending Support Transgender program offers outlets to those facing gender identity issues. WEDNESDAY MAY 6, 2015 6Th Ronelle Grier Contributing Writer Nliorld 9:00 a.m-4:00 p.m. BOUTIQUE SHOPPING q2' LUNCHEON AND RAFFLE Grand Prize: A sterling silver Judith Ripka bracelet with 18 karat gold, blue topaz and diamonds, courtesy of if s/ ( ACTRESS PRODUCER ICki [Oke EMMY® AWARD-WINNING TELEVISION HOST o.. FEATURED SPEAKER LEARN MORE BECOME A PATRON RESERVE YOUR SPOT LLNWOMANSWORLD.ORG OR 248.357.5544, EXTENSION 48. CONGREGATION S HAAREY ZEDEK SISTERHOOD DETROIT JEW SH NEWS (11/1411111.1 27375 Bell Road Southfield, Michigan 48034 248.357.5544 JN 1996630 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.