Zada Kent

Joined February 2021

0 stories

Bio

LGBTQueer-ies.com

Education | Advocacy | Allyship

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ZadaKent.com

Short Stories | All My Creative Endeavors

Stories (33/0)

The First Time My Transgender Son Used the Men’s Bathroom
My child, Z, told me they wanted to be a boy when they were only eight years old. I thought it was like them telling me they wanted to be a firefighter or an astronaut. I dismissed the entire conversation as unimportant. This was the first of many mistakes I’ve made regarding my son’s transition. I still regret not taking Z’s words more seriously.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Pride
Alissa's Playlist
When Shawn opens his eyes, he sees nothing. He blinks several times before he can make out dark shapes all around him. He's lying on a dirty wooden floor and as he sits up his head brushes against soft fabrics. He looks up to see outlines of dress shirts hanging like legless men from gallows. They sway slightly as he continues to get upright, and he hears the metal bar above squeak in protest at the sliding wire hangers. His left side feels wet and painful. A warm, sticky ooze congeals in the fibers of his lucky Chicago Bulls t-shirt.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Fiction
Karen, Your Opinion on Parenting My Transgender Kid is Not Valid
We’ve all seen one of those ‘Karen’ videos of a woman who feels obliged to share her unrequested judgment exposing her ignorance. Her lifetime of unhappiness is directed to whoever she deems is different enough from her. Then without prompt, she is compelled to intervene on the behalf of all those other Karens like her. A few of the videos are funny, many are ridiculous, and most are displays of ignorant contention.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Pride
Are You the Last to Know Your Kid Is Transgender?
Recently a friend told me he found out his teenager is transgender via Facebook. He felt hurt and confused. I can imagine all the questions, doubts, fears, overwhelming concerns that floated through his mind when he read the Facebook post — or announcement in this case.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Families
7 Wicked Things You Should Never Say to Your Transgender Teenager
Parenting teenagers can be challenging. Parenting transgender teenagers can be exhausting, frustrating, and overwhelming. Our kids are going through all sorts of changes within themselves and we’re simply trying to help them navigate towards becoming responsible, kind, and successful adults.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Families
4 Steps to Follow When Starting Your Transgender Kid on Hormones
Strangers telling me I’m abusing my child because he takes hormones is one of the most hateful things anyone has ever said to me. Their suggested air-quotes around the word transgender simply demonstrates their ignorance.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Families
How Group Therapy Made Me a Better Parent for My Transgender Son
Group therapy changed my life. Soon after my son came out as transgender, he started seeing Dr. M, a gender therapist — a mental health expert who specialized in gender identity. He saw Dr. M one-on-one as well as in a group session with other kids around the same age.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Psyche
5 Horrible Things About Parenting a Transgender Teen
Parenting any teenager can be simultaneously wonderful and stressful. Parenting a transgender teenager can have additional struggles that may seem impossible to overcome at times.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Families
Life Lessons Courtesy of My Transgender Son
When my son came out as transgender, I saw firsthand how some people — family, friends, and strangers alike — mistook his courage for weakness, confusion, or seeking attention. It’s much too easy to dismiss someone or something when you don’t understand it or haven’t experienced it yourself. So, for the record, being transgender is not a choice.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Families
9 Horror Books with Queers, Queens, and Everyone in Between
Now is the season for Pride! With so many authors taking a transphobic or anti-transphobic stand lately, I’m a firm believer in taking my own stand by only supporting those writers who support equality for my transgender son. My favorite genre to read and write is horror so, I thought I’d share some of my favorite stories that include queer characters.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Fiction
Suicide is Not a Selfish Act
Admitting I needed help with my depression and anxiety was embarrassing for me. The negative stigma that society has attached to mental health is appalling, but I still feared the judgment.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Confessions
Top Story - July 2021
Transphobia Is LearnedTop Story - July 2021
You’re transgender? That’s wrong! You should just kill yourself. This was the message my transgender son received during an online class from another eighth-grader.
By Zada Kent2 years ago in Pride