Trans kids, teens and young adults encounter opposition on a regular basis. A lot of legislation has been passed in the last year, particularly in red states, restricting or placing an outright ban on gender-affirming healthcare. Popular authors, celebrities and other respected public figures have expressed their opinions with little knowledge of or regard for the impact that their comments are likely to have on trans folks. When so many in the world seem committed to misunderstanding trans kids and teens, it's particularly important for the church and parents to support them. Here are a few tips on how to do so.

Use Their Pronouns

The simplest way you can affirm people's identity is by acknowledging it. Using the correct pronouns as well as addressing them by the names they actually go by isn't that difficult. It may take some practice if you were raised with a strictly binary understanding of gender, but it's necessary.

One way that your church can encourage and remind members to do this is to include personal pronouns on name tags. When you introduce yourself to visitors, tell them your name and pronouns so that they know it's OK to share their own. This can also be a good way to start conversations with those who don't yet realize why proper pronoun usage is so important.

Educate Yourself

It's natural for people to fear what they don't understand. No one expects you to be an expert overnight, but actively engaging in education about how to support the trans people in your life can alleviate the discomfort you may feel when people come out to you. It can also give you talking points if you experience backlash yourself for communicating your support. 

There are so many resources available to help you understand your role in supporting and advocating for trans youth. Stay informed about transgender rights. It's also helpful to know where trans kids and their families can go to get support for overall health and well-being. The more knowledge you have, the better position you are in to step in and help when needed.

Communicate Support Clearly

One of the most reliable predictors of well-being for trans kids is a strong support system. This support, of course, should start at home. Coming out to their parents is one of the scariest things. Their bravery in doing so is something to be celebrated. Thank them for trusting you enough to tell you. Ask about their pronouns and how they would like to be supported. Confirm that you love them (and will continue to do so) for exactly who they are, not in spite of it.

Church leaders can also communicate support clearly. Many trans youth are hesitant to attend church even if they grew up in the community because they're not sure whether they will be accepted for who they truly are once they come out. If you want them to feel comfortable, you must make your support blatant. Put an affirmation statement on the website and in the bulletin, and take the steps required to be registered in online databases that list congregations that are accepting of LGBTQIA+ people.

Be Their Advocate

True support doesn't hide in private. In addition to being vocal about your love for the trans community within the confines of the church building, it's just as important for members to send a clear message to legislators and other decision-makers. Write or call your state congressional leaders. Take part in local town hall or city council meetings, particularly when the rights of trans citizens are up for debate. Reach out to local advocacy groups to learn the specific ways you can support them.

Supporting trans kids and teens is fundamental to their well-being. They need acceptance, not only from their parents but also from the church community charged with caring for them.