Kate, Jeannie, & Jayna: How to Support Transgender Colleagues & Kids in a Dangerous Time

Today I’m facilitating a unique discussion with three brave women, two of which live under this shadow of fear for themself and their child, and one who is a cisgender ally: Kate Brookes, Jayna Sheats, & Jeannie Gainsburg. We talk about their own stories that led them to this work, how the increase in anti-trans legislation impacts them, what it’s like to parent a trans teen and they share their most poignant moments from their journeys. We also share simple yet impactful tips for you on how to be an ally as a manager, colleague and neighbor to support the trans community.

To access the episode transcript, please click on the episode title at www.TheEmpathyEdge.com

Key Takeaways:

Accepting and loving your child no matter how they present is support and protection for your child.
Fiction is an amazing tool for empathy. It allows you to explore with your imagination experiences outside of your own.
As allies, we need to step up, use the right language, and let people know that they are safe.
Everyone is watching the world for signals to understand they are safe.

“Dignity is at stake. LGBTQ rights are at stake. Right now, while my daughter has access to these things, a vote could take some of these necessities. They’re not privileges, they’re necessities. They’re what she needs. A vote could jeopardize her needs.” — Kate Brookes

References:

Hanna’s Ascent by Jayna Sheats
Transister: Raising Twins in a Gender-Bending World by Kate Brookes
The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGPTQ+ Advocate by Jeannie Gainsburg
2016 Study on Mental Health of Transgender Children Who are Supported in their Identities
GFP: Gender and Family Project
Sissy: A Coming of Gender Story by Jacob Tobia
Cori Lovejoy: A Trans Woman’s Journey Transforming Self and Organizational Culture
Jeannie Gainsburg: How to Be a Savvy LGBTQ+ Ally

From Our Partner:

SparkEffect partners with organizations to unlock the full potential of their greatest

asset: their people. Through their tailored assessments and expert coaching at every level, SparkEffect helps organizations manage change, sustain growth, and chart a path to a brighter future.

Go to sparkeffect.com/edge now and download your complimentary Professional and Organizational Alignment Review today.

Kate Brookes: Producer, Filmmaker, Writer. Kate Brookes is an award-winning TV reporter turned producer, filmmaker, and writer. An activist since her teens, Kate has devoted countless hours to the causes she supports, including mental health, housing justice, and anti-gun legislation. But it wasn’t until realizing she’d completely botched the birth announcement for her twins that she became active in LGBTQ causes. The author of Transister: Raising Twins in a Gender-Bending World, Kate lives with her husband and rock star children, one of whom happens to be trans, in New York City.

Jeannie Gainsburg, Founder, Savvy Ally Action: Jeannie is an educational trainer and consultant in LGBTQ+ inclusion and effective allyship, and author of, The Savvy Ally: A Guide for Becoming a Skilled LGBTQ+ Advocate. She is the founder of Savvy Ally Action, a small business that offers accessible and encouraging workshops and videos on how to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ communities.

Jayna Sheats, Author: Jayna grew up on an isolated Colorado ranch in the 1950s, where the word “transgender” had never once been heard. Returning to CO after studying language and psychology in Germany, she finally majored in physical science and settled in Silicon Valley with a PhD in chemistry. Jayna is the author of, Hanna’s Ascent. Today she spends most of her time writing novels about triumph over trauma and social justice, and a non-fiction book on transgender women and athletics.

Connect with Our Guests:

Kate Brookes: transistermom.com

Jeannie Gainsburg: savvyallyaction.com

Jayna Sheats: jaynasheats.com

X: @transistermom

LinkedIn: Jeannie Gainsburg

Facebook: Jayna Sheats, Author

Instagram: @jeanniegainsburgauthor

Connect with Maria:

Get the podcast and book: TheEmpathyEdge.com

Learn more about Maria and her work: Red-Slice.com

Hire Maria to speak at your next event: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-Ross