If your child has shared that they are transgender, nonbinary, or questioning their gender, you may have questions. You may feel unsure what to say. You may simply want to understand.

You are not alone — and you are not behind.

Join Our Support Group

Virtual meetings every 2nd Tuesday, 7–9pm

What Is Gender Identity?

Gender identity is a person’s deeply held understanding of their own gender. It is how someone knows themselves — as a woman, a man, both, neither, or somewhere along a broad and diverse spectrum.

Gender identity is different from sexual orientation.

• Gender identity is about who someone is.
• Sexual orientation is about who someone is attracted to.

There are many ways people experience gender. While some people identify as male or female, others may identify as nonbinary, gender-expansive, or another term that reflects their lived experience.

If this feels new, that’s okay. Many loving parents begin this journey with questions.

What Does It Mean to Be Transgender?

A transgender person is someone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

For example:

• A transgender woman is someone who was assigned male at birth but identifies as a woman.
• A transgender man was assigned female at birth but identifies as a man.
• A nonbinary person does not identify strictly as male or female.

Being transgender is not new. Transgender and gender-diverse people have existed across cultures and throughout history.

What is new for many families is understanding how to support a child who is sharing this part of themselves.

Questions Parents Often Ask

“Is this just a phase?”

When young people consistently express a gender identity, research shows that affirming them significantly improves mental health outcomes.

“Did I do something wrong?”

No. Gender identity is not caused by parenting style, trauma, or social influence. Your child’s identity is about who they are — not something you caused.

“What if I don’t fully understand yet?”

Understanding takes time. Support does not require perfection. It requires willingness.

You can love your child and still be learning.

Why Support Matters — Especially Now

Across the country, transgender youth are facing increasing legislative attacks and harmful misinformation.

In moments like these, family support is not just loving — it is protective.

When parents show up, listen, and learn, transgender youth are significantly more likely to thrive.

Here in the Bay Area, families are choosing connection over fear. Education over misinformation. Community over isolation.

Join a Parent Support Group in San Francisco

You do not have to navigate this alone.

PFLAG San Francisco offers a confidential virtual support group for parents and caregivers every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 7–9pm.

Connect with other caregivers who are asking questions, sharing experiences, and learning how to show up for their children.

Join Our Support Group

Support Our Work

When you support PFLAG San Francisco, you help:

• Provide education to families
• Maintain safe spaces for parents
• Advocate for LGBTQ+ youth
• Strengthen our local community

Your support ensures no family has to figure this out alone.

Support Our Work