If you are a family member who needs information and support regarding your child’s gender expression or identity, Gender Diversity can help. We provide services and support that helps families understand the wide range of naturally occurring gender identities and expressions that exist.
Our monthly support groups for parents and guardians of gender non-conforming and transgender children began in 2008, making it one of the longest running and largest network of support groups in the country. Our groups meet at Seattle Children’s Hospital, the Polyclinic Madison Center, and a number of other locations throughout the greater Puget Sound area. Local group participants meet in person while other families participate from across the nation via teleconference.
Topics addressed include:
- Is this a phase?
- What if my child changes his/her mind?
- Are trainings available for my child’s school?
- Are there other families like mine?
- Is my child gay?
- How do I talk to friends, family, and co-workers about this?
- How do we find a good doctor (therapist, school, etc.)?
- My spouse and I disagree on how to address this issue. What should we do?
- Did my parenting in some way cause this?
- How do I legally change my child’s ID documents?
*Intake is required for the group. For more information, please contact us.
WASHINGTON GROUPS
KING COUNTY
PIERCE COUNTY – Contact us for more info
WHATCOM COUNTY- Contact us for more info
THURSTON COUNTY – Contact us for more info
KING COUNTY
Parents of Transgender/Gender Nonconforming Children
(ages 11 and younger)
Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital
Date: 1st Sunday of every month
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Childcare and activities provided
Brief intake required
Teleconference participation available
Parents of Transgender/Gender Nonconforming Youth
(ages 12 to 20)
Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital
Date: 3rd Sunday of every month
Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Youth group meets at same time
Brief intake required
Teleconference participation available
Fathers (Only) of Transgender Children and Youth
Location: The Polyclinic Madison Center
Date: 4th Wednesday of every month
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Brief intake required
GO Kids Play Group
Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital
Date: 1st Sunday of every month
Time: 4pm to 6pm
Ages: (4-11)
In conjunction with parent support meeting
Gender Odyssey Teens
Ages (13 to 20)
Location: Seattle Children’s Hospital
Date: 3rd Sunday of every month
Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
In conjunction with parent support meeting
Gender Odyssey (GO) Teens is a group that meets monthly from 5pm to 7pm PST. GO Teens meets at Seattle Children’s Hospital on the third Sunday of each month. Additionally, we have several fun group activities scheduled at different locations throughout the year. Contact us for more information.
Gender Diversity Youth – Online
Ages (12 to 20)
Location: FACEBOOK
Time: 24/7
Our youth group includes access to the Gender Diversity Youth page on Facebook. This is a closed group so you’ll have to contact us to get an invite – we’d love to have you! Additional opportunities exist to engage in leadership projects including Gender Odyssey’s YouTube channel, workshop development for the Gender Odyssey Family conference, leading youth group meetings and arranging special events.
Would you like more information? We’d love to hear from you. Contact us to find the support and information you need.
