Photography by Julia Forsman

In a recent twitter post, the children’s author J. K. Rowling stated an apparent concern that some gay people are being ‘turned’ transgender by homophobes via an unidentified process of conversion therapy.

This suggestion has caused great offence to parents already doing everything they can to support their trans child in the face of constant threats, ridicule and misinformation from those who have never experienced trans parenthood themselves.

If you’re a parent of a trans child and would like to share your story, click here.

We hope J.K. Rowling and those supporting her will take notice of the parents below, who are joining together to say: I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.

1 – 10

I am a parent of a trans child and will not be accused of homophobia.

Between them, our children span much of the LGBTQIA+ rainbow already, and are all loved, respected and appreciated for who they are – and not just by our family, but by friends our local community and schools as well.

Gwen

I am the parent of a transgender child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
Sexuality and gender are two different things, and I believe our young adults should be supported & allowed to discover themselves and trusted to know themselves!

Faye

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. Gender and sexuality are entirely separate things. My daughter is a girl. This is not a choice for her, it is simply who she is. The gender of the people she falls in love with is irrelevant, as irrelevant as it was when she was misgendered as a boy. Anyone my daughter welcomes into her life is welcome into mine. Love is love.

Sarah

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child identifies as transgender and also gay. He is a perfect example of what a loving, caring, empathetic human being should be. I am in awe of how he handles the challenges presented by society of both his “transness” and his sexuality. He deserves my absolute support and unconditional love both of which I give with joy.

Helen

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.

If my daughter had come out as gay, I would’ve supported her.

If my daughter had come out as bisexual, I would have supported her.

My daughter came out as transgender so I supported her

Peter

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child is my child; their identity is theirs. They didn’t choose to be transgender. But why should they not be allowed to live the life they deserve just because they are living in the wrong body.
I love my child and always will.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My son is also gay and smart and funny and awesome. We support whoever he is.

Natasha

I am the parent of a trans child and will not be accused of homophobia. Before my daughter discovered herself as transgender she was sullen, withdrawn and moody. She has blossomed into a clever, thoughtful and engaging young woman who is respected in her professional and social life.

Paula

I am the parent of a trans son and I am also the parent of a bi daughter, I am not a homophobe and love my children for who they are.

Lynne

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child came to me as trans after hiding their feelings for years. They need support, as do I as a parent. Society needs education not more discrimination.

Gary

11 – 20

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
Again and again throughout my kids’ childhood she was asking to be called a different name, wear different uniform, clothing, asking why isn’t her body how it should be? No influence from anywhere but herself. I could go on and on but I am so weary of justifying her existence to people like you who think they know better than she does.

Claire

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
First, we love our daughter more than anything and accept her whoever she is, gay, straight, cis or trans, so for anyone to tell us we are homophobic is beyond arrogant and extremely offensive. Second, our daughter is most certainly trans and could also be gay. Third, she is an intelligent person with her own mind, and we respect that she is who she says she is.

Sha

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I am bisexual, my partner is gay. We know that sexual orientation and gender identity are different things and we stand together with the whole LGBTQIA+ community.

Anna

I am parent to a trans teen. I am not homophobic. I don’t understand why I need to say that, though. My trans teen is gay. I don’t want to fight with anyone. I don’t want them to be fought with because of their dysphoria. Things are hard enough. Trans youth face many additional hurdles, especially around their dysphoria, which it may be difficult to empathise with if you have no connection with someone struggling with their dysphoria. Let’s be compassionate and supportive. We’re all human beings.

Zoe

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I am simply a Mother. A mother trying to keep her child safe, without him having to compromise his own identity and happiness just to satisfy others who would ridicule, bully and judge him. If that isn’t the definition of being a parent, I don’t know what is. In truth I do not know what sexuality he is yet, because it doesn’t matter, whomever he first has a relationship with he/she/they are welcome in my home

Sheryl

I am the parent of a young trans woman and I am NOT homophobic! That would be impossible as I am bisexual, she is a lesbian and her brother is bi as well! We were born this way

Allison

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My dearest friend is gay and is a person of integrity and honour. I could only be pleased if my child turned out like him.
My child is who my child is and I will only ever honour and support that.

Jackie

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
How dare anyone make my child feel like they are a threat to others just for being themselves?!

Sarah

I am the parent of a transgender child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I have no idea what his sexuality is or will be as he hasn’t even begun to explore that yet. I don’t care one jot who he loves and he has my unconditional support. Being gay and being trans are not the same thing. I am gay and cisgender. My child is transgender, and his sexuality has nothing to do with his gender. He is who he says he is. His identity takes nothing away from other people. He needs love and support, not judgement from people who don’t have the knowledge or understanding to make informed statements.

Emma

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My child decided to come out first to me, and then to his uncle and his husband. He had initially come out as lesbian but now feels he is trans. During this journey he has had the full support of the family but none so much as from his gay, Asian uncles. My brother, his husband and their LGBTQ friends, stand in support of trans people.

Abi

21 – 30

I’m a parent of a trans young adult and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My priest advised me to have my child given conversion therapy so that my child could perform the role my priest believes is the destiny of all people born female – wife and mother.
But my child cannot pretend to be what he is not – he IS a gay trans man.
If I was as homophobic as my priest I’d never have supported my son’s transition.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and will not be accused of homophobia.
My son came out to us as trans three years ago, and then later he decided the best way to describe his sexuality was as pansexual, and in his own words ‘it is hearts not parts that matter’.
We have accepted both his gender identity and sexual orientation. They have been arrived at solely by him, and as we have told him, we want him to be happy and with someone who cares about him.

Andrea

I am the proud parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My children have the freedom to live as who they are and this includes my gay trans son, my lesbian daughter and my bisexual daughter. Having my support has allowed them to truly be who they are without exception. To suggest I may be homophobic is not only wrong it is highly offensive and disgusting.

Marion

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My son is trans AND GAY! And we love him for who he is!

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
As parents we listen to our children. We follow their lead, respect their feelings. Whatever path they want to lead in life we will be there to help pave the way to a world that accepts people in whatever range of hue and tone they are. Be it in their gender or their sexuality.

Stephanie

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not stand accused of homophobia.
I have always been a supporter of the gay community and the right to choose who you love. Being told that I am homophobic because I have listened to my child and have accepted what he feels couldn’t be more wrong. I am not homophobic; I am accepting of all.

Fran

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I love my child unconditionally and accept them as they are, I am not straight myself and have loved people of all genders and sexualities.

Mandy

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My child was never comfortable with their gender assigned at birth, they were confused and angry and sad that people could not see them the way they felt. All we did was let them wear the clothes they wanted to, use a different name and pronouns and the change was huge. Their sexuality was not an issue, it was about how other people saw them and treated them.

Rachael

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My child transitioned and has identified as a gay male for four years or more. He has a boyfriend and is very strong on gay rights. I can’t understand how I or my son could be seen as homophobic.

Barbara

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
Sexuality has nothing to do with gender identity. My child doesn’t know yet how he will identify in terms of his sexuality. Gay or straight or bisexual – it’s all the same to me. I don’t care who he loves. I just hope he will have a fulfilling love life – that he will love and be loved.

Kirstie

31-40

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child told me she was gay and I was chuffed. Then she told me she was trans and I was chuffed. None of my kids are straight. I love my big LGBTQ family.

Melanie

I am a parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I am bisexual and LGB and T rights go hand in hand.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child came out as gay, then gender fluid then transgender. We have been unrelentingly supportive at every stage.
She is an incredibly accepting, caring youngster and I am so, so proud of her.

Jenny

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I have no agenda as regards my child’s gender or sexual identity beyond being 100% fully committed to loving my child exactly as they are. My work is to create sacred space around my child so that my child can discover their self and live in freedom and peace away from pressure and harsh violent messages from society. To validate my child and to seek out the sane spaces.
My job is not to impose my views or perspectives. I follow my child’s lead. I trust my child. I have to consciously work with my own fear around the impact of a world that is unforgiving and worse every single day. I always make space to check in with where my intentions are coming from and to make sure I am not responding to any agenda of my own.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. This argument that a parent would encourage their child to transition as a form of homophobia is absurd. Not supporting a trans child’s transition does not stop them from being trans. Forcing my child to live with a gender that he doesn’t identify with would most certainly have added to the distress, mental trauma, dysphoria, self-harm and suicidal thoughts he was experiencing. Please listen to the parents of trans children and their very real experiences.

Katie

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia! I’ve have spent all my life in the LGBT community, from going with my older sister to pride marches, to having close friends and family members who are LGBT and even my son! Love is love.

Dotty

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
I identify as a queer woman and am very well aware that there is still homophobia in our society. But I also know that transphobia is way more prevalent. Like any parent, I just want my children to be happy, but I have to add ‘safe’ when talking about my trans child because trans people are the most vulnerable in our community.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My child is too young to know for sure whether he is gay or not but he has known from a young age that he’s trans. You don’t know what it’s like to parent a trans child, please don’t tell me how to do it or that my child is wrong.

Kelly

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My son means the world to me, and he also happens to be gay, and my wife is non-binary and bisexual.
I will not countenance being accused of homophobia simply because I believe that trans men are men and trans women are women, and should be treated with the respect and dignity we all deserve.

Scott

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. To force my young girl to use male toilets will put her in more danger, not less; to suggest that trans women will put other women at risk is ignorant.

Ben

41 – 50

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. Parental love is unconditional. I love my child and am proud that my child has the strength to speak out about how he feels. Whether he is identifying as male, female, straight or gay, it is not my concern, or that of any one else. I just want my child to feel supported and loved through this already challenging time.

Kirsti

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I am the proud lesbian feminist mother of a trans daughter. I will support her to live her life to the full regardless of her gender identity or sexuality, just as I was supported by my parents when I came out 25 years ago. I want her to feel as much pride in her identity as I feel in mine. Trans lives matter.

Harriet

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I am also the parent of a gay child, and the parent of a straight, cisgender child. My children’s identities are their own to define, but their identities do not define them – they are also writers and artists, skateboarders and gamers; they are funny and clever and kind. They are humans, in all their wonderful diversity and in a world that is often hostile to that diversity, I refuse to be my child’s first bully.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I am the parent of three wonderful daughters, two cisgender and one transgender. I love and support them all absolutely. I am in awe of the courage my transgender daughter shows daily in living her life, true to herself.

Cherry

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia!
I am a feminist, bisexual mother of a young, gay trans man.
Accusing parents of preferring a trans gender child to a homosexual one, is more than a slap in the face to parents who have gone through hell and back watching their children suffer day by day. I am immensely proud of my son.

Sandra

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child is supported and loved during their journey and I do not identify my child through their gender or sexuality, I support my child to be whoever they need to be. As a Pansexual proud member of the LGBTQIA community I stand with my child.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not stand accused of homophobia. My transgender son is attracted to boys so if he was not transgender he would be straight so how could I possibly be homophobic if I accept his way of life?

Jacqui

I am the parent of a trans child & I will not be accused of homophobia. Nobody chooses to be trans to make their life more difficult. My kid brought home other trans non-binary kids whose parents rejected them. I got so angry, I started a Pride group.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child & I WILL NOT be accused of homophobia! My child is also not straight-& neither are majority of their friends. I’m 100% in support of the LGBT community!

Tracy

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. He knew that he was male long before he could express it, as parents we always told our children that we would be proud of them no matter what. He came out. I love him unconditionally.

Anon

51 – 60

I am a parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.

Firstly gender and sexuality are entirely different and I find it wholly offensive to be considered homophobic. The prejudice and hatred towards trans people and their children is real and hurtful. I’m not going to lie, it was initially a shock, but put yourselves in our shoes, do you love your children unconditionally? Do you really? Would you stand by them on their journey?

My child is compassionate, alive, happy and healthy and for that I am eternally grateful.

Debbie

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. Ours is a rainbow family, born out of love. My wife is pansexual, and I am non-binary and queer. Listen to us and listen to our children – they need love, compassion, and safe and supportive space in which to grow.

Jane

I’m a parent of a trans child. And I will not be accused of homophobia. I believe my child knows best about themselves and it’s my duty to nature them on their journey. To care for them and protect them and all other trans children.

Caroline

I am the parent of a trans child and will NOT be accused of homophobia!
I have two children and love them both UNCONDITIONALLY. Gender and sexuality are two seperate things. My son is a happy, confident, clever, funny and caring individual, so much more than a label and he makes me proud every day!

Sarah

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I am one of the proud parents of a trans pansexual mtf daughter and as a family we support her sexuality and will do always.

Lisa

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. Our son told us he was trans, after years of trying to explain who he was. I always told our four children that we don’t care who they loved as long as they were happy. When he said he had something to tell us we were pleased that our child felt safe to tell us about his sexuality, we never thought about his gender identity. He is not only trans but also pansexual. We love him and accept him in both identities.

Ruby

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not stand accused of homophobia.
My child has been uncomfortable in their body all their lives and have come out as non-binary. I love my child and I support them I will stand by my child for as long as I live. This world needs to open its eyes

Barbara

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. Without transition my teen would have been a cis-het male. I love my daughter just for who she is and, on that basis, she is thriving

Jan

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
Our child is strong of character, the very idea that we as parents could ‘push’ them into being something that they are not is ludicrous. I mean seriously, whoever thinks this clearly does not have children, because if your child is anything like ours, you would know that you cannot convince them to do, or be, anything other than what they want. Our child has, and will always have, all our unconditional, supportive love, irrelevant of where on the rainbow they align.

Andrea

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
I am the lesbian mother of one cis-het male, one non-binary and one trans male child and I love them all the same and with all my heart and soul. I will defend their right to exist and live their truth while there is breath in my body, no matter who they choose to love and no matter the obstacles bigotry and hatred they face. I will always provide them with a safe space where they can be themselves openly and honestly, and teach them to live fearlessly and openly AS THEY ARE.

Anon

61 – 70

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. Love is love, regardless of one’s body, sexual orientation, colour of skin and so on. It is a simple word, ‘love’ but it covers all eventualities. I love my child, wholly and completely.

Frances

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I was brought up by two lesbians and can see echoes of the discrimination they faced in the past in how people treat trans people today.
My child didn’t choose to be this way. As a cis boy she would have had a life of privilege but she has to be true to herself and be the impressive young woman she is at her core.

Nikki

I am a parent of a transgender child and I am not homophobic. Both of my children have been raised in a loving, open, nurturing and supportive environment by two heterosexual, cisgender parents. My teenage daughter is cisgender and openly identifies as being pansexual. My teenage son is transgender and also identifies as bisexual. They both found those labels on their own and told me and my husband when they decided it was the right time for them.
We will never encourage him to be who he is not.

Claire

We are parents to a trans child and advocate for another, I will not be accused of homophobia.
My child is the happiest he has ever been the smile on his face melts your heart, he had never been gay he has always stated most vehemently that he is trans.
Our Son is intelligent, happy and content, as he is just as he was meant to be.

Angie

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My daughter came out to her father and I and has had a difficult few years. I will not pretend that it has been easy for any of the family to adjust initially, but her parents, aunts and uncles, cousins and grandparents have followed a steep learning curve, but all, without exception, support her on the journey she is on to becoming her truer self. She is a brave young person and a fighter and l support her to the best of my ability and will continue to do so.

Katya

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My brother is gay and my son is bisexual, I love them both dearly. I have prayed many times that my daughter was a gay male, her life would be much easier this way. But she’s not, she’s a straight female.

Sally

I am the mother of a trans child who is just at the beginning of his journey. My child has tried to cause serious harm to himself twice. He is going through hell in his mind at the moment. I am doing everything I can to support him and keep him alive! Recent stuff in the media has hurt him. I just find it unbelievably unhelpful and ignorant.

Chris

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My son is the sweetest, gentlest, most caring person I have ever met and I am immensely proud to be his mum. His sexuality has nothing to do with anything. Love is love.

Marie

I am the parent of transgender child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My son is my son. This is not a choice for him. He is being the bravest and strongest young man I know by being whole heartedly true to himself, more than a lot of us adults manage in our lifetime. He is to be admired, not ridiculed and isolated I will love him and walk with him like I have done since the day he was born just like I do my cisgender daughter.

Michelle

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My son did not choose to be trans and he did not choose to be bisexual. He knows that he can count on his parents for support, because that is our job. We will never try to make him into something that he’s not. Being a parent means loving unconditionally.

Anon

71 – 80

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My son told me who he is, and I believed him. Since then he has flourished from an anxious teen with no confidence to a young man who feels comfortable in his own skin. Being trans has nothing to do with his romantic relationships. I am proud of my son, and would welcome any future partner into our home, regardless of gender or sexuality. I try to raise my children to be kind, respectful and compassionate towards others. I hope for them to receive the same in return.

Debi

For a long time before I knew why, I knew my eldest child was ‘different’. They carried around a heavy weight even from a young age, eyes missing that sparkle that should glitter in the eyes of a child. Whilst we waded through that sinking sand of a time, I tried to instill some positive thoughts, mantras if you will. One in particular adorned their bedroom wall (and still does) from that peculiar marvel that is Dr Seuss ‘Say what you will and be who you are, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter won’t mind’. And it’s true. See, I adore my daughter, fiercely and without condition. She is one of the most incredible, kind and awesome people I’ve ever known. She loves me too.

Mel

I am the parent of a trans young person and I will not be accused of homophobia. My trans son has been firm in his gender identity since he was five years old. He is still exploring his sexuality and right now identifies as pansexual. I love him unconditionally and will support him no matter what.

Lesley

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My trans child is a twin and has been brought up the same, until she started showing signs of distress with her gender. Gradually over the last five years we have followed her lead and now is happy, confidant, excelling in school and wishes to become a counsellor to help other children/young adults.
We as parents do not control/mould our children into who they should be or who we want them to be, but stand by and support them in life, in choices they make

Verity

I am the parent of a transgender child and I am not homophobic. My son is trans and gay. The other day he told me the longer I live like this the happier I feel. More understanding and acceptance will make the world a safer place for us all.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I will always love and fully accept him and his sexuality. True parental love should be unlimited and unconditional. All children should be able to trust their parents to love them without judgement, to believe they are who they say there, and to stand up for them when ignorance and prejudice abound.

Evelyn

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. If my child was gay he would not have to go through the discomfort of wearing a binder, he would not have to receive treatment and potential surgery just to feel comfortable in his own skin.

Claire

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My younger daughter is grown up now but came out as trans during high school. I love my children and want them all to be happy and safe, to be caring human beings who respect the rights of others and support the fight for freedom and justice and equality for all people.

Cath

I’m not homophobic at all, in fact I’m bi. So, that would make me homophobic against myself then? Or against any girlfriends I may have in the future? My kids are trans because that is who they are. Parents of trans children literally have only two options. Let your children be themselves or force your children to be someone they’re not. If anyone thinks there’s a third option, it’s really just another variety of forcing them to be someone they’re not.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans daughter, and I will not be accused of homophobia. We are a fully accepting, and diverse family. My child has two gay uncles, all love is celebrated in our home. My daughter’s trans identity makes her a lesbian!

Krystle

81 – 90

My Son is trans he is the person he chooses to be and I love him for that, if others wish to pigeon hole him then that is their loss. To latch on to sexuality simply misses the point.

Paul

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My trans child is awesome. After he ‘came out’ 5 years ago, our whole family spent the next few years on a massive exploration of our understanding of sex, gender and identity. Though already very comfortable with fluid sexuality we had a lot to learn about gender. I am so proud of the whole family for their ability to learn, understand and accept.

Debbie

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child nearly died trying to avoid his brain telling him he was male. 3 years later he finally accepted himself as male, transitioned and is happier than ever.

Emma

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. As a feminist lesbian myself, I raised my child to understand that gender is not a limiting factor – that boys and girls can wear, play with, do or be whatever they want, regardless of gender. When my child came out as trans, I wrapped him in love and support and walked beside him in his transition journey. I am proud to have an intelligent, empathetic son.

Renee

I wouldn’t change my child. He is the most amazing, kind, thoughtful, funny, creative boy you will meet. Neither his sexuality nor his gender are particular concerns of mine – they are important to me only because they are important to him.

Miranda

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I am bisexual, was raised by lesbians and am putting my professional life’s work to the human rights of LGBTI migrants. My son grew up with lesbian role models, he was never encouraged into femininity or masculinity because he is his own whole person, no matter his characteristics or gender. When he tells me he is trans, I believe him.

Hannah

I am happy because my trans son is happy. He is much more comfortable in his own skin now, and a much more confident and happy teen.

Lynsey

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My son is also gay. I absolutely support him in being who he is. Please stop your damaging, inaccurate assumptions.

Ann

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My child tried to tell me who he is for years before I believed him. It’s not a phase, not something he has ‘made up’ or something I have forced upon him. My son is trans and I love him and I will never again doubt him. ‘When someone tells you who they are, believe them’.

Lesley

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I am the proud mother of 3 children – a straight cisgender daughter, a bisexual daughter and a transgender son. My proudest moment was marching with him during a pride event last year – really emotional.

Michelle

91 – 100

I am the parent of a trans child. I will not be accused of homophobia. I can’t actually believe anyone would conflate gender identity and sexuality but there you go.

Jo

I’m the parent of a trans child & I will not be accused of homophobia because I have no idea who she’ll find attractive/fall in love with. And it doesn’t matter, because affirming her gender has nothing to do with homophobia. I only care that she is happy, respected, & loved.

Debi

I am a parent of a trans teen and will not be accused of homophobia because:
1. Before she came out, she would have been viewed as “straight” by society.
2. She has 2 moms.
3. Being trans is not conversion therapy for gay kids. Conspiracies are dangerous.

Amanda

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. It makes no sense that a parent would prefer to have a trans child than a gay child. The abuse and discrimination that trans people face on a daily basis is horrendous and not something that any parent would wish on their child. Besides this, my trans daughter is a lesbian – it is possible to be trans and gay.

Judy

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
I, my wife, my children, my wider family, our village, our places of work, and our wider social circles embrace a spectrum of sexual orientations not just as lip service but in a genuinely felt way.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. She was a very quiet, sad and anxious child before she came out. She was a shadow compared to the chatty, confident and vivacious child she is now. Her gender identity has nothing to do with her sexuality and it would be ridiculous for me to assume anything about it.

Carrey

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
I am entirely supportive of all lesbian, gay, bi or transgender people, including youths.
My child is my child – whatever their sexual orientation OR gender identity – which are not the same.

Lisa

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
We are not homophobic and have always encouraged our children to be themselves, and to know that they are loved. The notion that being trans is a way to deal with homophobia can only be seen as ridiculous when faced with the large numbers of people who, in coming out as transgender, also by definition then come out as gay.

Anne

I am proud mom of transgender teen and I will not be accused of homophobia. My trans son doesn’t know even yet if he likes more girls or boys, but he knows that he is boy in wrong body. Don’t put on what is already extremely hard feelings to handle by suggesting that he is not what he is.

Barb

I am a parent of a trans child and will not be accused of homophobia.
My eldest son is gay and not transgender, my younger son is transgender and too young to know about his sexuality. It is not a choice, it is who they are.

Danielle

101 – 110

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
I am the proud mother of 4 children whom I love equally regardless of their gender or sexuality. The fact that 2 of my children are gay does not affect my love or admiration for them, my son happens to be trans and my daughter cisgender. I am supportive all ALL my children. My family stands together.

Elizabeth

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia, my transgender son doesn’t yet know if he’s gay, straight, bi etc because being trans is nothing to do with sexuality. We are just parents trying to do the best for our children.

Gemma

I am a parent of a transgender child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I’m so happy we are able to support my son as a family and he can tell us anything and we will support him 100%, as I do for both my children.
Does that make me a bad parent? I think not.

Dawn

I am a trans man and parent to a non binary child. I will not be accused of homophobia because I’m gay as heck and love it. Sexuality is not gender identity.

Connor

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My trans daughter is just living as her true self, surrounded by the acceptance of her family and friends. I know many parents of trans children and all we want is the best for them whether they are gay, straight or trans. We are just ordinary families who happen to have trans children.
Hermione is my daughter’s role model and she can continue to enjoy the books due to the fact that Emma Watson clearly states her support for her, when she says, ‘Protect Trans kids’.

Jane

I have a transgender child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
Sexuality and gender identity are not the same thing.

Liz

I have a transgender child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child’s sexuality has nothing to do with her gender: she’s bi as it happens. And of course I support her 100% because I just want her to be able to flourish.

J

I am a wife of a woman who happens to be transgender. We also have a daughter whom is transgender. I will support my wife and my children with their gender and sexuality.
My family is strong. I am not homophobic.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.

My eldest is a straight female and my youngest a trans gay male, I love both of them dearly as do my family and friends. You cannot accuse parents of influencing their children’s gender or sexual orientation they are individuals with their own sense of being and will tell you if they are confident and feel safe enough to confide in you.

That is when you can either support your child and educate yourself if you have no understanding of gender or stay ignorant and neglect your child’s well being and mental health. Your choice! Make the right one, refuse to be your child’s first bully.

Gini

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not stand accused of homophobia.
The journey that a trans-child has to take into adulthood it’s hard enough without having to deal with the prejudice of adults.

Stuart

111 – 120

I am the parent of a trans son and I will not be accused of homophobia! My son came out as trans and gay four years ago, in his second year of secondary school. He was faced with homophobia from his peers yet came through it as a smart, funny, all round lovely human being and I am so proud of him. His sex and gender are his own business and nobody else’s, and I am saddened to see influential people in the media trying to say otherwise.

Ann

My child is transgender and I will not be accused of homophobia.
My child is kind, gentle, hardworking, bright, intelligent and ambitious. I will support him in his choices. I expect society to listen to all children and allow them the freedom to discover who they are and to keep them safe.

Diane

I’m incredibly proud of my trans son.
He’s got nothing less than our full support and we’ll be behind him every step of his journey, no matter what direction the road takes us. That support has helped him to overcome a lot of those dark days and we now have a much happier and more confident child.
Love is unconditional and I’ll never have anything but love for my son.

Lisa

I am the parent of a trans child, and I will not be accused of homophobia. My son is happier now he’s told us who he is, and he’s also told us he’s pansexual. If transitioning was about forcing a person into a heterosexual lifestyle, there wouldn’t be so many gay, bi, lesbian, pan and asexual trans people.

M

I am the gay trans stepdad of a beautiful trans lesbian daughter. Together with her other dad we work tirelessly for our local queer community which is so loving and compassionate so to hear the charge that being trans is akin to conversion therapy is pretty unbelievable and hurtful.
We hold each other a little tighter these days, and while it sometimes feels like we’re passing around the same £20 note to keep each other afloat, there is more love and kindness to be found here than they could ever know.

Payton

I am the proud parent of a son. It’s not by any means an easy journey but the change in my son from that day has been incredible he is more outgoing more social and talkative. As a parent I cannot believe how someone who has no actual knowledge or experience about our situation has the audacity to accuse me of pushing my child into this.

Karen

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My son’s sexuality is not clear to him yet, however, he has always known who he is, even when we were not listening to him. He is a happy child now that he is himself and we are proud of him.

J

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia!
I have a large and diverse family including straight, gay, bi, trans and gender non-conforming members. I love them all deeply and feel insulted by the accusation that I’d prefer my child to be trans rather than gay. My son tried so hard to be the girl he felt pressured to be by society but it just made him desperately unhappy because he’s always known his gender is male. Our young people need to be listened to and believed.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia, because honestly, in this current climate being gay and cis would be the easier route for my child. Her transgender journey has been entirely organic.
I support and celebrate both my children’s right to explore and decide their own sexuality. I see that as a completely separate journey to the journey of being transgender.

Cara

I knew there would be hard times as a mother. There are no words to describe watching your child go through that pain, knowing there is nothing you can do to help. My child is not a threat, nor is he forced to be something he isn’t. We take one step at a time towards a hopefully happy future.

Vicky

121 – 130

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not stand accused of homophobia.
My child laughs smiles, cries and hurts like any child . Her body parts do not define who she is as person not now or in the future!! Nobody has the right to judge.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child is the same beautiful person they always were; one of the first things they said to me on coming out was “I’m still the same person mum.”

Caro

I am the parent of a trans young adult and I will not stand accused of homophobia.
Our children knew from a young age we would love them unconditionally if they were gay. They weren’t, but one turned out to be trans. No one told her that was OK too. It never crossed our radar and was never mentioned at school. If she had known her feelings were normal, that she was not alone and there was hope, she might not have in suffered in silence for so long. No parent would wish gender dysphoria on their child, but she feels a little happier and more comfortable with every step forward on this difficult path. Being cis and gay would have been so much easier, but being trans is not a choice, and our absolute unconditional love and acceptance may have saved her life. She is accepted and respected by her whole family, her friends, and everyone around her in real life. But online transphobia and media debates that question her very identity are now the biggest threats to her mental health.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My daughter has always known her gender, but her sexual orientation is not yet clear.
It is not actually possible to have an influence over someone’s gender or sexuality; trying to do so causes immeasurable harm (including to the parent/child relationship).

Amanda

As a proud father of a trans man and as a charge nurse working in mental health for all my life, I have first-hand experience of how upsetting it is when individuals are not allowed to express their true gender.

Jason

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. I love and respect my trans child for who they are just as I love and respect my gay step son for who he is. My hope is that one day my trans child will inherit a world as vibrant and accepting of him as the one his step sibling enjoys, and that, in the meantime as many people as possible will unite to ensure that world can exist.

Sal

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. My child is non-binary and pansexual and I support them in their identity. I look at my child and wonder at their strength to stand up and unapologetically say ‘this is who I am’. I am in awe of my child and support them fully to be themselves, however they present.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
Had he come out as a lesbian we would have been completely happy and supportive. To suggest that we may have tried to ‘make’ him trans because we’re homophobic is beyond ridiculous – why would we try to persuade him to go through such a tough process. Our son is amazing and we’re so proud of him. Life isn’t easy but we’re getting through and all of our family is 100% behind him.

Debbie

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
They are trans and so my role as a parent is to love and support them. So that’s what I do. Unconditionally. With no judgement.

Anon

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia.
No one has ever pushed him to be who he is, he just is!
I’m sickened to hear that in 2020 people can get things so wrong. Pick up a book. Follow people who could help educate you on the subject.

Brooke

131 – 140

I am the parent of a trans child and I will not be accused of homophobia. Initially coming out to me as gay, my daughter realised she was transgender a couple of years later. Sexuality and gender are two completely different things but are commonly confused as being the same. They are not. My daughter is female and always has been. She has never identified with her assigned sex at birth, although societal conventions muddied the waters as she grew up, until she realised for herself who she is. I have, and will always, support my daughter in her identity. Trans lives matter. Trans is beautiful.

Susan