Here are a wide variety of resources to help you and your family on the gender journey. Start small. Return often. Holler if you need us.
1) Glossary of LGBT terms
2) Importance of gender affirming care
3) Great List of Gender Affirming Care Resources (some medical treatments described may not be available to minors in Indiana)
https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/gender-affirming-care-resources/
4) Legal rights of trans youth: Trans Youth Handbook -by Harvard Law School LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic and NCLR
5) TYPES OF GENDER AFFIRMATION TREATMENT
Social transitioning. Making non-medical changes that allow an individual to explore their gender identity and begin living as their authentic self. This can include choosing a new name and gender pronouns that align with their gender identity along with wearing clothing and choosing a hairstyle that match their gender expression.
Puberty-suppressing hormones. Prescribed at the onset of puberty, this medical treatment stops the development of secondary sex characteristics that may cause increased gender dysphoria while giving adolescents more time to explore their gender identity.
Hormone therapy. Taking testosterone (masculinizing) or estrogen (feminizing) to develop secondary post-pubescent sex characteristics that better align with one’s gender identity. Regimens are personalized to the needs of each person. For example, teenagers receive a lower dose to mimic puberty as it would be experienced at their age.
Gender affirming surgery. Surgical procedures to alter the physical appearance of an individual to match their gender identity.
These non-medical and medical interventions may be considered for individuals who are transgender or are exploring their gender identity. While certain interventions are suggested based on an individual’s age and stage of development, they are not required as part of receiving gender affirming healthcare.
9 years old and younger:
• Social Transitioning
10–14 years old:
Social Transitioning
Puberty-Suppressing Hormones (Not available for minors in Indiana.*)
15–17 years old:
Social Transitioning
Hormone Therapy (Not available for minors in Indiana.*)
18+
Social Transitioning
Hormone Therapy
Gender Affirming Surgeries
Source: World Professional Association for Transgender Health. (2012). Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender- Conforming People [7th version].
*While Indiana healthcare providers may not provide gender affirming medical care to minors as a result of a new law, parents may seek such care out of state. The law only restricts the actions of licensed healthcare providers, not families.
🦎🦎🦎🦎🦎
Central Indiana Therapists:
Gender Nexus has a list
Rebecca Waletich , Transformations Counseling
Kelsey Hug, Transformations Counseling
Meredith Coy, Transformations Counseling
Richard Brandon-Friedman, Transformations Counseling
Jennifer Vincent, The Brave Life Therapy
Catalyst Counseling and Consulting
Generations Counseling Services, LLC Greenwood and Northside
Kathryn Miller Healing Bridges
Hannah Tending the Roots
Sara Evans Life Stance Ft. Ben area
Julie Timke Indy Counseling Professionals Ft. Ben area
Hope Moreland hope.e.moreland@gmail.com
Mandy Hussey, Counseling Intern at Tim Donovan, MS, LMHC:divergentcounseling1@gmail.com (812) 727-4847
🦎🦎🦎🦎🦎
Youth under age 18:
As of 2/27/24, Indiana State Law prohibits licensed healthcare providers from treating youth under 18 for gender transition with puberty blockers or cross hormones. They may not refer minor patients to other physicians for this type of care. They can, however, still provide mental health and social support for patients and their families. Families should talk with their healthcare provider about what kind of support is available.
GEKCO Gender Expansive Kids & Co.
Indiana Youth Group (IYG)
Bloomington Kaleidoscope Youth Community
Spencer Pride Iris Youth Group
South Bend The LGBTQ Center youth group
If you need help finding out of state resources or more information, contact us at gekcomama@gmail.com
🦎🦎🦎🦎🦎
Parents and families:
Gender Nexus’ Parent Support Group
IYG 1) Parent support group: IYG Fam, dreyes@indianayouthgroup.org
2) Free Therapeutic Support Group for parents/caregivers mheinz@indianayouthgroup.org
Palo Alto Parent Support Program
🦎🦎🦎🦎🦎
Faith:
PFLAG has some faith resources
Jewish: Keshet
Muslim: Muslims for Progressive Values
Catholic: Indy Catholic Allies
Christian: Q Christian
🦎🦎🦎🦎🦎
Schools:
ACLU Know Your Rights Video
Gender Nexus: School/parent Gender Support Plan
(Ask for the Framework for Gender Inclusive Schools and Gender Inclusivity Assessment)
https://www.genderinclusiveschools.org
https://www.lambdalegal.org/publications/out-safe-respected-admin
Ultimate Guide to Resources for LGBTQ+ Students
🦎🦎🦎🦎🦎
Health:
AAP Ensuring Comprehensive Health Care…for Transgender Children
APA Policy Statement February, 2024
Adults: Eskenazi Gender Health Program
Mosaic Health and Healing Arts, Goshen, IN Family practice, especially welcoming of LGBTQ folks
🦎🦎🦎🦎🦎
Other:
Financial Resources, Scholarships, etc.
T.R.E.E.S Rural and small-town transgender education
Facebook groups There are some helpful private and closed fb groups. Email gekcomama@gmail.com for more info. These groups are vetted for safety and confidentiality.
Video:
Gender Revolution with Katie Couric, documentary. Also available on Netflix for free. Intro to gender, intersex, transgender concepts
Real Boy Story of a family in transition.
Reading:
PFLAG booklet: Our Trans Loved Ones (also en español)
It Feels Good to be Yourself: a book about gender identity by Theresa Thorn
Trans Family SOS recommended reading
Serendipitydodah (Mama Bears) resource list
No Time For Flashcards Kids’ Book list
Reading list from Palo Alto Parent Support Group
Conferences:
IU Medical School LGBTQ Health Conference April 10-11, 2025
Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference
