For Trans Families, With Love
an anthology of stories of trans kids from their families, parents, friends, teachers, and selves
Calling all parents, friends, and family members of trans kids!
This is Robin, the guy behind TransFriend on Substack. Some of you are subscribers to my site. Maybe some of you even write your own publications here or elsewhere. You may have found your way here through one of the other great publications sharing and creating queer visibility and community on Substack. I'm grateful you're here, and I hope you share access to this project throughout your own circles.
This world of ours is openly hostile to our trans children. It's pretty tough to feel like it can be safe to express our experiences of raising trans kids or being trans parents, and it's even more discouraging to know that our children will inherit a world that seeks to undermine their sense of belonging. But together we can take action to show everyone just how amazing it is to grow up trans, to parent a trans child, to learn about this world through their eyes, and to feel the passion they bring with them.
Maybe you’ve wanted to publish something about your experience as a parent of a trans kid, but you're worried about how to do that and maintain your privacy. Maybe your kid has something they would like to say, but they don't have a place for it to go. Maybe you’re a teacher with gendercreative students, and you know that if a post had your name on it you would lose credibility or your job for speaking up.
I want to hear what you have to say.
I have a platform for your voice.
TransFriend is creating an anthology of writing by family members, friends, parents of trans kids, and by trans kids themselves who have stories to tell. This collection focuses on love and acceptance and is not a place for debates or gender critical views. You are encouraged review this page by TransEquality.org for tips on word choice and respectful dialogue.
Submission Guidelines
Works submitted to this project can be fiction, nonfiction, visual art, poetry, or prose. Written works are limited to 1500 words max. Visual art is limited to 3 separate pieces (single file or individual files). Submitted written works may be edited for clarity, content, or length as needed. If an email is provided, I'll reach out to discuss this with you. If you prefer to remain anonymous, I promise to do my best to honor the fidelity and intent of your work.
Identifying information is not collected, but it's also not entirely prohibited. If you would like your name (or a name of your choice) to show up alongside your creation, you are welcome to include it in the file(s) you submit. Name(s) of underage children should not be included.
Photos with identifying features cannot be used in this anthology so as to protect the identity of all participants. Graphic sex, nudity, and profanity will not be accepted. Hate speech will not be accepted or responded to.
This project does not yet have a publishing date, but one will be announced soon. There is currently no closing date for this project, though that may change. If you have questions about this project, send those to emailthattransfriend@gmail.com.
To keep up with this project, please subscribe to That Trans Friend You Didn't Know You Needed on Substack. If you know a family with a trans kid who would like to participate or see the final anthology when it's published, please send them this way!
How can You Help?
Please help share this project widely. Trans families are often silent and private in order to protect themselves from harm. By sharing a link to this project within your circle, you can show others that you are a friend, an ally, and a supporter of trans love.
You can also create a Note here on Substack to spread information about this project. Below is some text you’re welcome to use.
“Trans Kids deserve love! If you are a family with a trans child, or if you’re a friend or educator of trans children, please consider participating in this anthology of stories. Participants are welcome to remain anonymous. A wide range of works will be accepted. Find out more at https://transfriend.substack.com, or head over to the submission form at https://tally.so/r/n0L6kA to participate.”
If you are a member of a local PFLAG or other trans-affirming group, please let them know they are welcome to participate.
Updates
August 10
The Anthology Page goes live, and Qstack helps us spread the word for others to participate.