Reporting Responsibly on Trans Kids
Over 120 pieces of anti-trans legislation have already hit state governments in 2023. Most of these bills have been focused on transgender kids—meaning doctors could face criminal charges for providing gender-affirming care to children under 18. Some states have banned gender-affirming care entirely. Recently, Tennessee banned all public drag performances, in the latest snipe at the LGBTQ+ community. But trans kids are at the brunt of most of these: bills are being drafted simply to control which bathroom they are allowed to use in public places.
The media is not helping. Recently, the New York Times received a letter from 1,000 of its contributors criticizing its approach to reporting on trans kids. In response, the Times ran an opinion piece titled “In Defense Of JK Rowling,” who has become infamous for her repeated anti-trans platitudes on social media (and accompanying works). The environment in the United States grows increasingly hostile to trans kids, and it’s important for other journalists to pick up the slack the Times is not meeting at this moment.
How can they do that?
USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE
There is a lot of terminology involved with pretty much any kind of identity, but since society is highly biased toward heteronormativity, several of these terms may be unfamiliar to readers. Allowing space for new terms and explanations of said terms will both educate readers and validate trans voices. Also, paying attention to the language used to describe trans people is tantamount: the correct pronouns and name, to begin, but also making sure to steer clear of overly gendered language, talking about trans kids’ appearances, or in some other way drawing attention to the subject’s “transness” that is not relevant to the purpose of the story.
RESPECT PRIVACY
Once again, these are children. Children are protected by federal Law from divulging information, and reporters are forbidden under federal Law from revealing details about the child’s name, birth, home life, or any other information without the express written consent of a parent or guardian. Regardless, as trans children have become targets of violent acts, the subject’s safety is inherently tied to privacy.
SEEK OUT MULTIPLE SOURCES
Aside from the fact that every trans child has different levels of experience to bring into the room, the trans community does not just include children. Doctors, parents, friends and family, and therapists focusing on trans issues can contextualize the children’s experiences further. Moreover, as the laws being enacted as of late also directly implicate caregivers, they are tandem victims in these ongoing attacks against the trans community.
PROVIDE RESOURCES
Provide resources for your audience, such as links to support organizations and resources for families of trans kids. This can help readers to understand the issue better and provide support for those who may need it. Some possible resources are: The Trevor Project’s 24 hour crisis hotline for trans kids or families in crisis or in need of immediate mental health help; The Transgender Law Center (TLC), which can provide legal help; or the TransLife Center which provides supportive services.
Another resource to consider is Palmer Lake Recovery, a free web resource that provides information about addiction, eating disorders, and mental health issues. Studies have shown that individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to use and abuse alcohol and drugs and tend to continue abuse throughout their lives. The organization works to spread awareness and to be an informational resource for those impacted by alcohol and drug dependence. The organization has two free guides covering LGBTQ+ drug and alcohol treatment resources and co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions.
When dealing with any marginalized community, putting one’s ego aside for the sake of accurately representing the community, their struggles, and their joys is essential. Relying on the community to tell you in which direction the story needs to go can also avoid unwanted instances of unconscious bias and can overall help the world understand trans people, and perhaps even accept them—a little more.
