Can You See Me Now? Understanding the Nuances of Working Effectively and Empathically with Transgender Youth

Course overview

Trainer/Presenter: Ann M. Ordway, JD, PhD, NCC; University of Phoenix There is a growing number of children and teens who identify as transgender. Yet, education and resources related to transgender identity for professionals who are charged with supporting children and adolescents in the child protective services system remain lacking. Through this keynote presentation, professionals with all varied backgrounds and careers will learn the meanings and application of specific vocabulary - and the importance of affirming language. Though transgender and non-binary youth certainly face 'traditional' issues, the experience of those issues will likely be impacted by environmental factors and the way the world receives or fails to receive the children. Moreover, there are a host of additional issues that arise from having a gender non-conforming identity in a heteronormative world. Empathy, understanding, support, and acceptance are critical ingredients for successful professional interaction with children who are struggling with gender identity or who already know that they identify as different from the anatomical body into which they were born. A portion of this address will be devoted to specific strategies for professionals working with transgender and non-binary youth and with other professionals who form a part of the team providing services.