Becoming an Ally to the Gender-Expansive Child

When Anna Bianchis grandchild asked, "Nanny, you do know Im a girl dont you?", Anna recognised this as a pivotal moment in their relationship. She also understood that to fully support her grandchild, who had been declared a boy at birth, she needed to examine her own attitudes, beliefs and assumptions about gender. With reassuring honesty, depth and openness, she draws on her own experience, as well as interviews with gender expansive children and their families, to map out the path to becoming an ally. She explains why a child dressing, playing and communicating in gender fluid ways may feel provocative, how culture reinforces this and how parents and caregivers are frequently left feeling confused and isolated. She provides a step-by-step guide through this experience and explains how to undo and rebuild a personal understanding of gender.

For anyone eager to understand their childs gender experience, or to learn how best to accept, support and protect them, this book will provide knowledge, reassurance and the confidence to do so.

Market: Parents, extended family and foster parents of gender expansive children. Of secondary interest to social workers, youth workers, school nurses, teachers and education professionals.