EDGY Conference

Anna Gordon
Anna Gordon
MSW
Self Employed
Anna Gordon
Anna Gordon is a Licensed Clinical Social worker dedicated to fostering mental wellness and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Anna earned her MSW from New York University's Silver School of Social Work. Anna’s private telehealth psychotherapy practice serves clients in New York and California. Anna is an eclectic trauma informed clinician with a focus on supporting individuals navigating identity exploration. She is committed to LGBTQ+ affirmation and specializes in addressing diverse family dynamics, relationship issues, and parenting. With personal experience raising her queer and gender expansive 5-year-old twins, she offers a unique perspective and a safe, understanding space for clients.

SESSION OVERVIEW

Parenting LGBTQ+ Children under 7
Despite widespread reports that there are growing numbers of children identifying as queer or gender expansive at younger ages, parents of queer children under seven are met with scarce resources and support. The taboo of talking about parenting young LGBTQ+ children in the face of intense social shaming, scorn and rejection is one I have personally experienced. I am the mother of a gay son and a nonbinary child both of whom came out at four. The uninhibited societal disapproval and disgust for parents who allow, their young children’s queer self-expression, is as pervasive as it is harmful. It contributes to the shame and isolated experiences of our queer children, and we know that this is a major factor in the higher rates of suicide and self-harm among queer youth. Drawing on a combination of research, clinical and personal experience, this workshop will provide information on developmental needs, parental resources, and tools to best aid adults supporting young queer children and their families. These will include handouts listing critical information every parent should know, and scripts for navigating the school systems (written by Jessica Hershel, co-author of I am Jazz, and reproduced with permission.)