The journey for a young person discovering their gender identity can be filled with both joy and challenge.
This path can be unfamiliar for caregivers, such as parents, guardians, and trusted adults. They may want to offer support but do not always know how.
Learning to support gender-diverse youth
PolicyWise for Children & Families recently held a webinar to address this important topic. Two thoughtful and experienced presenters, Amrit Matharoo, MSW, RSW, and Jonah Elke, MSc, led the discussion. Their goal was to help social workers support caregivers as they learn to affirm and care for gender-diverse youth.
The term gender-diverse includes young people who are Two Spirit, transgender, non-binary, and more. These youth often need to navigate complicated systems—social, legal, medical, and mental health—all while growing up. It can be overwhelming not just for them but for their caregivers as well.
Amrit and Jonah used real-life case examples to highlight what caregivers often go through. Many caregivers want to do what is right but fear making mistakes. Some worry about asking the wrong questions. Others don’t know where to turn for help.
They offered comfort and guidance while sharing practical, evidence-based strategies that social workers can use. These strategies can help caregivers feel more confident and prepared. For example, using correct names and pronouns, creating safe spaces for open conversations, and connecting families to supportive communities can all make a big difference.
One key lesson from the webinar was that affirming a young person’s identity can be life-saving. Research shows that youth are more likely to thrive when they feel supported in their identity.
How to access services and where to find resources
The webinar also looked at how to access services in Alberta, where systems can be confusing and inconsistent. Amrit and Jonah share the steps involved in finding gender-affirming medical care, understanding school policies, and connecting to mental health supports.
They explain throughout the webinar that it was based on three helpful guides for service providers that they were instrumental in creating. These resources explain the systems of care, offer tips for better communication, and highlight important practices when supporting gender-diverse youth and their families.
Walking alongside youth on their gender-identity journey
This webinar was originally presented to members of the Social Workers Association of Alberta and the Canadian Association of Social Workers. But its message reaches far beyond the social work profession. It speaks to all who walk alongside youth during their gender-identity journey.
Let’s remember that when we support caregivers, we support the youth they love. And when we do so with kindness, knowledge, and respect, we build a world where everyone can grow into who they truly are.
You can watch the webinar on our website or on our YouTube channel.
Go to our Empowering Providers Serving Gender-Diverse Youth web page and get your copy of our three support guides.
