Charis welcomes Ben V. Greene in conversation with Ben Ackerley for a discussion of My Child Is Trans, Now What?: A Joy-Centered Approach to Support, a powerful book for readers aiming to support trans youth that Booklist calls a "warm and generous book that] will help a wide range of readers" and Publishers Weekly says is "a pragmatic program for parenting beyond the gender binary." This event is co-sponsored by PFLAG, TransParent, and Pride Atlanta.

As a full-time public speaker specializing in spreading awareness and understanding of the transgender community, what Ben Greene hears most from parents and loved ones is the phrase "I'm sorry." They're sorry for using the wrong word, sorry for asking an offensive question, sorry for not knowing this already, sorry for asking a question at all. The combination of exhaustion from trans people who have become their community's designated educator and the growing trend of "canceling" anyone who says anything wrong has created a culture where people who have good hearts and minimal access to information are so afraid to make a mistake they don't even try.

In My Child is Trans, Now What? A Joy-Centered Approach to Support, Greene breaks the mold by offering a judgement-free guide to people across generations, from millennial parents to members of older generations who may not have had previous positive exposure to the trans community. Greene focuses on providing two key resources in this book: information and emotional support. He explains what to expect, what systems exist to support trans youth, and what loved ones can do to help.

Using a combination of personal stories and experiences, definitions, and additional resources, My Child is Trans, Now What? is an essential guide for anyone looking to help trans youth thrive.

Ben Greene is a trans man, transgender advocate, and educator who has spoken internationally on topics surrounding transgender inclusion. After coming out at 15 in small-town Connecticut and giving a popular TEDx talk at Brandeis University, Ben has devoted his career to spreading empathy, education, and storytelling around the trans experience. He has spoken for companies, hospitals, schools, religious organizations, and government entities sharing what it means to be transgender and how to show up as an ally.

He is a fierce advocate for transgender youth, regularly speaking in their defense at the Missouri State Capitol, and when he is not speaking during working hours, he is delivering free presentations to parent support groups around the country and spending hours one-on-one with families of newly out transgender loved ones. He is passionate about educating others from a place of compassion—no matter where they’re starting from, and lives by the catchphrase “the only question I won’t answer is the question you don’t ask”.

Ben Ackerley is a non-binary activist and parent of a transgender child, fighting for LGBTQ+ Equality in Georgia. They are building strong queer communities through the Georgia Chapter of TransParent, Georgia Rainbow Families, and as a Committee Chair with Atlanta Pride. TransParent is a national organization dedicated to supporting the parents and caregivers of transgender and gender-expansive kids. Ben serves as Co-leader of the Georgia Chapter of TransParent and the Coordinator for the TransParent National Support Groups.

PFLAG Atlanta promotes the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, their families, and friends through support, education, and advocacy.We provide education to enlighten the public through a Speakers Bureau . In partnership with national and local organizations we advocate to secure equal rights for the LGBTQ community. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

Atlanta Pride is Georgia’s oldest nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ+ community in metro Atlanta and across the South. Its operations include the annual Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade in October, educational, social, and cultural programs and community reinvestment initiatives. For more information about Atlanta Pride, visit atlantapride.org. Stay connected with Atlanta Pride on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

TransParent envisions a world that honors and affirms the naturally occurring transgender experience. Their mission is to bring compassionate support to parents and caregivers navigating complex issues faced by their gender-expansive children of any age.

The event is free and open to all people, but we encourage and appreciate a donation of $5-20 in support of the work of Charis Circle, our programming non-profit. Donate on crowdcast or via our website: www.chariscircle.org/donate or in person the night of the event.

Please enter an amount between 0 and $500 to reserve your virtual seat.

My Child Is Trans, Now What?: A Joy-Centered Approach to Support--Ben V. Greene in conversation with Ben Ackerley