(We) delight in trans kids, add miso to the banana bread, mix potions, embrace change
A pep talk and a grab bag.
My friends,
Happy belated Trans Day of Visibility-- first to the amazing trans kids in our lives, then to all you beloved trans grownups, and finally to all the rest of us who are lucky enough to live in their light.
As per usual, kids really lead the way for me when it comes to thinking about gender. Life demands fluidity from children, so gender and trans identities are generally a source of healthy curiosity and good conversation with kids— unless they've been directly taught to react to it otherwise.
Kids LIVE in constant change. They’re always growing! They’re constantly stepping into new versions of themselves, and finding new ways to name who they are and what life feels like. When kids notice gender creativity, fluidity, change, or gender differences in others or themselves, it happens alongside all the other shifts, variations, and leaps that are part of childhood. When we celebrate trans identities with kids, we aren’t just teaching them that transness is beautiful and perfect (which it is). We are also showing them:
You are the expert on who you are!
Growth and change are fun and interesting!
There is no “finished version” of any human being!
All human beings are worthy of protection, affirmation, and celebration.
You are safe to be yourself with me.
I will fight for your right to fully embody yourself. So will all your other safe grownups.
Our job as safe grownups is to answer their questions with tender frankness, meet their needs for care and support directly, and open ourselves to what comes next, even when it seems impossible. The world is full of safe grownups with their arms and hearts wide open, right?
Some people are fucking around with transphobia in our time. They're going to find out. Their fear and lack of imagination is no match for the life force of our kids, or the power of our love for all children. That's all there is to it.
In celebration of all this, a few favorites that affirm change, magic, and delight:
We are deep in POTION PLAY at our house. We've been doing a lot with flower petals, cornstarch, expired spices, and dish soap, but we're about to up the ante with THIS recipe. Also, we're out of food coloring, so.
Excited to prep for Passover, my fellow Jewish grownups? My rabbi-sibling’s amazing Jewish education resource, Simchat Diaspora, is the absolute best source for inspiration and support!
This little song from the Ada Twist soundtrack is also a favorite, and boy does it feel on target. It's a great one to break into at frustrating moments. In general, there is a full Questioneers craze going on at our house, and I encourage you to join us.
This explainer podcast for grade school kids is SO smart and fun. It talks to them with such clarity, and so fully treats them as competent, critical thinkers. I love it.
Playspark tees are my new Spring uniform. This is my favorite.
Finally, THANK YOU for your incredibly sweet and enthused response to The Yearlings Project, my new interactive documentary podcast adventure for kids! We already have young folks from down in Texas and up to Alaska participating, and I can't wait to see what my friends create! If your child is interest in participating in the Yearlings Project Pilot Study and sharing what they create, here is the interest form.
Finally, this is the best banana bread recipe available, but you should add to it 2t of miso. You are welcome.
Finally-- gotta plug my own Spring family photos in NC and DC! Bring me your favorites, and we'll make some pictures that are comfy and fun. I love my job.
And thank you. Just knowing you are out there, crushing it as the aunties, and uncles, and teachers, and parents, and community members that our kids need and deserve is a goddam delight.
Love,
Anna
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Anna Carson DeWitt Photography
annacarsondewittphotography.com
919-475-8548