Transgender Community

Regardless of where you fit on the continuum of transgender identities, you’re welcome at PFLAG Los Angeles. Our members include people who are questioning, who are in the process of finding a comfortable expression of gender identity, and those who have discovered and are living their authentic lives. Others are parents, family members, friends and allies of transgender individuals and the transgender community.

A variety of challenges face transgender individuals and their loved ones, including  employment and housing discrimination, the complex process of getting appropriate identity documents, finding culturally competent healthcare providers, family and parenting issues, and, unfortunately, violence. On this page, we have gathered together a number of good resources that provide information on many of these issues.  Knowledge is power, and we hope these references will empower you and your family and friends.

Parents also have special challenges. While many transgender individuals wait until adulthood to disclose their gender identity to their parents, some children, even very young children, talk openly about their gender identity or give their families clues through their choice of toys, clothes, and playmates. These gender variant children may grow up to be transgender, gay or lesbian, straight, or to occupy their own unique place on the gender continuum. Guiding these children through the maze of education to a happy, healthy adulthood requires knowledge, sensitivity and a supportive community. The organizations and individuals listed under “Parents Resources” can be a big help.

You will also find a supportive community at PFLAG Los Angeles. Each year we have transgender themed speakers at our meetings—check out some of last years on our Event page. Our support groups always provide a safe place to talk about your feelings about transitioning, disclosing your gender identity, and dealing with a child’s gender variance. Some people just come to listen and be among sympathetic people. 

We look forward to seeing you at a meeting soon!

Visit our Resources page for PFLAG Los Angeles’ help line as well as links to services for the transgender community.