What happens when parents disagree about their child’s gender identity in California?

What happens when parents disagree about their child’s gender identity in California?

One of the most hotly debated topics in the news revolves around the rights of young people of the trans community. Trans kids face incredible struggles that their parents aren’t always sympathetic towards. When gender-based disputes disrupt a custody agreement, parents are in the most difficult positions.

A bill known as the TGI Youth Empowerment Act would have added new criteria to what is seen as the “best interests of the child.” That wrinkle? “Acceptance of your child’s gender identity.” However, the act was vetoed by the governor in September 2023.

The best interests of a child

The guiding principle for any and all custody and support decisions is “the best interests of the child.” And in many cases, that tends to be things that people really can’t argue about, such as:

• Physical health
• Stable housing
• Access to education
• Access to necessary healthcare
• Social groups

These are cut-and-dried principles. Gender identity acceptance is yet another yes or no question. However, the ground over accepting someone’s trans identity has become muddied in recent years as part of a national debate.

While more and more children and adults have come out about being trans, there is still a great deal of misinformation. The facts are that – even with all the news and the growing number of stories – trans individuals make up a small portion of the overall population. Additionally, trans kids face extremely high rates of suicide and abuse.

It is not easy to be trans.

Parents should make their children feel safe in all aspects of their lives. Everyone will have difficulty opening up about who they are at some point. They just shouldn’t have to worry that it is dangerous.