Post submitted by former HRC Digital Media Manager Helen Parshall

This LGBTQ Pride Month, HRC asked members of our Parents for Transgender Equality Council to share why they are proud to celebrate their young, transgender family members.

Pride events are held worldwide in cities large and small, and for some people, it is the only occasion during which they can be out and proud in their community. Pride is typically held in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots in New York City, which marked the beginning of the modern LGBTQ rights movement in the U.S.

Below are some of our parents’ stories:

"We are proud of our son Max for having the courage to live as his authentic self in a world that still has too many bullies. He has opened our eyes to the power of unconditional love and given us hope for a brighter future."

-- Amber and Adam Briggle, parents of a transgender son

“Dear World: As proud grandparents of a remarkable, gifted transgender child, our acceptance and, better yet, advocacy is expected… As such our greatest challenge is not only to make our complex society aware of the problems we face, but to point them in a direction away from the ugliness of discrimination and hate towards education in understanding the needs of those few who are so different from the fortunate many who are not.”

-- Jack and Jacky, proud grandparents of Jazz Jennings

“Jacq is like any other kid. He is kind, sweet and one of my best friends. When he first went public about his transition to his classmates in kindergarten, he was shy when they asked questions, so they went to me for answers. I had no problem with it, since I had done everything in my power as a 7-year-old to protect my brother. I wasn't about to let my brother get hurt just because of a misunderstanding about what being transgender is, so I tried to make my answers as clear as possible. I'll always be proud of him.”  

-- Sydney Tchoryk, age 12, sister of a transgender brother

Photo: Samantha Brandt Photography

“We are a sorted bunch, each of us with a different take on the world. Transgender, cisgender, genderqueer, straight - these are just some of our nuances. None of us comes to the table with the exact same set of experiences, opinions, beliefs or truths. But I actually think that’s a good thing. I’d rather be a house of many minds—united by our differences and strengthened by our love. Ultimately, it is our fierce, invisible bonds that move us forward: Toward truth. Toward freedom. And always, toward love.”

-- Jodie Patterson, proud mother of a transgender child

“Parenting is inherently difficult, but loving and accepting our children for all that they are brings us ultimate happiness. I am proud of my family for embracing our truths and sticking together through the highs and lows that life brings. We are in this together and we are stronger for it. Love does win.”

-- Sarah Watson, mother of a transgender child

“My trans son has taught me to look at the world in a new, less rigid way. And he has taught me a lesson that I thought I had already learned: the freedom to be who you are and express yourself as you know yourself to be at your core is an essential part to living life fully and compassionately.”

-- Chris Williams, father of a transgender son