Dear MKIG — All Articles

Supporting Your Non-Binary Students with Pronoun Changes

My student started using they/them pronouns, but not all teachers are supportive. What do I do?

Coming Out, Dear MKIG, For Teachers, Non-Binary, Pronouns, Gender, Students + TeachersGrace MangerOctober 10, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Genderqueer, Pronouns, nonbinary, teachers

How Do I Talk About Periods with My Non-Binary Kid?

Menstruation is a very gendered topic in our society, but it doesn't have to be! Here's how to talk about periods without invalidating your non-binary kid's identity.

Dear MKIG, Non-Binary, GenderGrace MangerSeptember 5, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Genderqueer, nonbinary

I'm Nervous to Meet My Daughter's Girlfriend

My daughter is bringing her girlfriend home for the first time, and I'm just so nervous that I will say or do the wrong thing. Help!

Dear MKIG, PartnersGrace MangerAugust 28, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Dating

How Do I Talk to My Christian Parents About My Kid’s Gender Exploration?

My kid is exploring their gender and asked me to tell my super Christian parents about it. Should I wait until my kid has settled on an identity that fits them?

Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Telling Others, Religion, GenderGrace MangerJuly 26, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Extended family, Genderqueer, Questioning, nonbinary, Religion

What if our family disowns my kid?

I accept my son for who he is, but I don’t think the rest of the family will feel the same way. How can I support him if everyone else reacts poorly?

Coming Out, Dear MKIG, Telling OthersGrace MangerJuly 19, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Coming Out, Extended family

How Do I Support My Son After His Dad Left Our Family?

If you are thinking that this is all a lot, you are right, but if you are thinking that you are alone, you are wrong.

Coming Out, Dear MKIGGrace MangerMay 10, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Coming Out

What's Wrong with Gender Reveal Parties?

My daughter and her wife are having a baby, and I don't understand what their sexuality has to do with not wanting to have a gender reveal party!

Gender, Dear MKIG, PartnersGrace MangerMay 8, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice

How to Support Students During the Day of Silence

Day of Silence is coming up, and it's important to support students at your school who want to participate. Here's how to do so, from out queer educator Sara Schmidt-Kost!

Bullying, Dear MKIG, For Teachers, Peers, Students + TeachersGrace MangerApril 17, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Activism, Advice, Bullying, teachers

They/Them Pronouns Have Come Between My Child and Me

How am I supposed to practice they/them pronouns if my kid has become distant from me?

Dear MKIG, Non-Binary, Pronouns, GenderGrace MangerApril 12, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Genderqueer, Pronouns, nonbinary

My Daughter's Friend Came Out to Her, What Should I Do?

There's a bully at school, and my daughter's best friend is questioning his sexual orientation. Should I tell his mom?

Bullying, Coming Out, Coming Out, Dear MKIG, Telling Others, Students + TeachersGrace MangerMarch 20, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Bullying, Coming Out

Here’s How to Explain Gender Identity and Expression to Kids

How can I teach my kids that a person's appearance does not tell you anything about their gender or pronouns?

Gender, Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Gender, Gender, Pronouns, Talking to Young Kids, TerminologyGrace MangerMarch 15, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Gender expression, Pronouns

Am I Betraying My Kid If I Stay at a Non-Affirming Church?

My son came out and doesn't feel safe attending the church we've been a part of for over a decade. Is it ok if I keep going?

Religion, Coming Out, Dear MKIGGrace MangerMarch 13, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Christianity, Coming Out, Religion

Aren't Some Things Inherently Gendered?

My kid is non-binary, but what do we do about things that are inherently gendered, like bathrooms and Mr. and Miss?

Dear MKIG, Non-Binary, Terminology, GenderGrace MangerMarch 6, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Bathrooms, Genderqueer, nonbinary

Should I Let My Daughter and Her Girlfriend Share a Cabin at Summer Camp?

My daughter is now dating her roommate from summer camp and wants to continue to be cabin mates with her this summer. Should I let her?

Sex, Dear MKIG, PartnersGrace MangerFebruary 20, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Dating, Sex

Coming Out as Transgender And Gay

When your kid comes out as transgender AND gay, approach the topic with an open mind, and leave behind your ideas about what is “right” or “wrong” when it comes to who we are and who we love based on gender.

Coming Out, Dear MKIG, Terminology, Transgender, GenderGrace MangerFebruary 15, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Changing names, Coming Out, Gender expression, Phase, Pronouns, trans*, transgender

My Trans Kid's Grandma Is Transphobic

Here’s some hard talking advice. It’s not fun. It’s not pretty.

Gender, Young Children, Dear MKIG, Gender, Gender, TransgenderGrace MangerFebruary 8, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Extended family, trans*, transgender

Depression and Coming Out

My son struggles with depression and it's only gotten worse since he came out as bisexual. How can I support him?

Coming Out, Dear MKIG, Mental HealthGrace MangerFebruary 6, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Bisexual, Bisexuality, Coming Out, Mental Health

Should I Indulge My Young, Gender Nonconforming Son’s Interest in Middle Eastern Dance?

My gender nonconforming son has found a new hobby, but will people think it's inappropriate for a 9-year-old?

Gender, Young Children, Dear MKIG, Expression, Gender, Gender, Non-BinaryGrace MangerFebruary 1, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Genderqueer, nonbinary

How to Handle Parental Censorship of LGBTQ Books

Our school's librarian included the book "George" in the student book club and was met with a lot of pushback from parents saying it's inappropriate. What can I do as a fellow teacher?

Dear MKIG, Media, Talking to Young Kids, Gender, Students + TeachersGrace MangerJanuary 18, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, teachers, trans*, transgender

Staying Afloat While Your Child Is Struggling with Mental Health

Our 15-year-old has been in and out of the hospital for mental health issues. How do we keep our heads above water as a family?

Dear MKIG, Mental HealthGrace MangerJanuary 10, 2018#my kid is gay, #mykidisgay, Advice, Mental Health