Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting This

by Rebecca Minor

Empower, Affirm, and Support—A Lifeline for Parents, Educators, and Advocates
Raising Trans Kids is the essential guide for parents, families, and educators committed to creating a world where transgender and nonbinary youth can thrive. With compassionate insights, evidence-based research, and practical advice, this groundbreaking book provides the clarity and reassurance needed to navigate the complex journey of raising trans and gender-expansive children.
Inside this indispensable resource, you’ll find:

Simple, evidence-based answers to the difficult questions that keep caregivers awake at night.

Tools to dismantle limiting beliefs that may hinder full, unconditional support for trans youth. Up-to-date research highlighting the critical role of family acceptance in reducing suicide risk and fostering self-esteem. An evolving online glossary to stay informed about the ever-changing language of gender and sexuality Why This Book

Trans kids and teens with supportive families experience lower rates of suicide, greater life satisfaction, and higher self-esteem. At a time when trans youth face unprecedented legislative attacks and alarming mental health challenges, Raising Trans Kids is more than a guide—it’s a lifeline. By addressing fears and misconceptions, it helps families move past uncertainty and fear into pride, joy, and unconditional love for their child’s authentic self.

Discover the pride, joy, and strength of unconditional support. Whether you’re a parent seeking to better support your child, an educator looking to foster inclusive environments, or an advocate ready to take action, Raising Trans Kids provides the tools, insights, and hope you need to make a lasting difference.

Genres: Gender, Parenting

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

LICSW

Reviews

[Pygment · Rating 5 out of 5]

i originally commented this was great for parents who wanted to support their children with love. Actually, it's for anyone interacting with a trans kid who wants to support them, no matter thw relationship.

[Reader 2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who came out as trans at 17, there was a lot of explaining I had to do to the people around me. It was a learning and unlearning experience that took a while for everyone, and is still ongoing. I wish that many people I know had access to this book much earlier in their lives, so that the burden would not have been on me to educate and reassure them as I navigated my own journey.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about how to be a better ally. This book is not only for parents of trans kids, which I'm not. It's for anyone who wants to understand what it might be like to be inside a family navigating this.

[Kay West · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the parent of a trans-non-binary kid, this book was great.

I don't read non-fiction books about parenting, therapy or emotional healing. So when I tell you this was a great book, I am speaking to other parents who think that this type of book may not be for them. Let me tell you. It's for you.

I am a very supportive parent when it comes to my child's gender identity and affirming them by using their preferred pronouns and helping them find a supportive community. I essentially felt like I reached the top tier level of 'best, most supportive parent.' However, what I really struggle with is how to speak to people who don't understand what trans/NB is, and how to call those people in.

Rebecca does an amazing job of sharing the various levels of where parents/caregivers are when it comes to supporting their trans kids, then sharing how to address concerns in the best interest of the kids. That helped me to be a better advocate within my community.

Rebecca also brings in scholarly, academic and peer-reviewed articles when making claims or addressing concerns. These helped to reframe ways to have conversations and brought up certain questions I hadn't considered like what are my kids options when it comes to gender affirming care and how might it affect fertility. I also liked the highlight on the importance of building community.

What to expect
🏳️‍⚧️ Highly researched parenting insights
🏳️‍⚧️ How to best support your trans kid
🏳️‍⚧️ Answers questions you may not have thought to ask
🏳️‍⚧️ Compassionate centring the wellness of trans kids
🏳️‍⚧️ Did I cry a few times? Yes.
🏳️‍⚧️ Great audiobook

This book is best read while marching in pride, wearing a 'trans kids deserve to grow old' sign.

[Corin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have really benefitted from this book years ago when my daughter first came out as trans...but I'm very glad to have it now.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an important book for everyone to read whether they are raising or interacting with trans youth or not, because more than likely, there’s someone in their life who is gender nonconforming. This is approachable, informative, and necessary reading.

[Tabitha Kluka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the gentle, focused, and nonjudgemental tones in this book, intended for caregivers in any stage of understanding the gender-diverse youth in their life. The author's goal is to guide the reader to resources and mindful conversations that would facilitate healthy, happy kids and stronger family bonds based on trust and respect.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Raising Trans Kids: What to Expect When You Weren't Expecting This" by Rebecca Minor is a terrific resource for parents. This is a self-help book that answers many questions that parents of transgender youth may have.

This book covers if your trans child will find love, if they will be safe, what if they're wrong and change their mind, if transition is dangerous and permanent, and how you can make a bigger impact, among other issues.

Every topic is well researched and documented. In the audiobook, she lists the article and author of the pertinent research.

One point that comes up repeatedly, due to its importance, is that the biggest difference for a trans youth is having at least one supportive adult who accepts them. Having this can help them handle a lot of adversity in school and with other family members.

There is a website also by Rebecca Minor, which has a lot of information on this topic, located at www.genderspecialist.com

I highly recommend this book for any parents of trans or non-binary children!

Thank you to Netgalley, Row House by Spotify Audiobooks, and Rebecca Minor for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Megan Uy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A critical and much-needed resource for anyone looking to support trans* youth, especially but not exclusively parents. This book is a vital addition to my professional library.

p. 117: “It might feel like you have little control over the challenges your trans child faces, but in reality, parents and caregivers have a significant influence on how difficult it is for their child to navigate being trans. By actively supporting their identity, even in places where affirming care is limited or opposed, you can profoundly impact their well-being. When your child knows that you love and support them, you enhance their mental and emotional health and provide a foundation of support that counteracts external adversities.”

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book for parents navigating life with a transgender kiddo. You've got their back, and that's the very best thing you can do!

Bonus: The first book on the subject I'd strongly recommend for extended family who are maybe trying to learn but can use some extra support!