I’m at a loss as to how to help my son who is 15 and trans 

Your Question

My son who is 15 and is trans and is very new to being comfortable in himself. He has recently come to me with questions about masturbation and he says he wants information and resources that don’t have gendered sections as he is still very embarrassed as he is a boy who has a vagina. I am really at a loss so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

Hi there, welcome to Ask Robyn.

Thank you so much for reaching out with your question. You’re looking for advice on how to support your 15-year-old son, who is seeking non-gendered sexual health advice about masturbation. It’s wonderful that you’re supporting your child in such an open and understanding way.

It’s completely natural for teens to be curious about their bodies and masturbation, but finding non-gendered information can indeed be challenging. Fortunately, there are a few resources that offer inclusive and age-appropriate guidance:

1.Childline has a helpful article on discussing masturbation with young people in a respectful, non-judgmental way. This might be useful as you navigate this conversation with your child. You can find the article on their website: www.childline.ie/lets-talk-about-masturbation.

2.Mashable provides an article on inclusive masturbation education that emphasizes understanding individual experiences. It might add useful context as you seek out inclusive resources. You can access the article here: mashable.com/article/inclusive-masturbation-education.

For broader information that includes non-gendered language, the Transgender Teen Survival Guide offers online resources covering topics like masturbation, relationships, and general sexual health in a way that respects all readers. You can find the guide at: transgenderteensurvivalguide.com/post/164185715795/masturbation-relationships-and-sex-a-guide-for.

Another helpful resource is the Gender Jam Sexual Health Guide, which is specifically designed for trans and non-binary young people. It includes non-gendered information on sexual health, making it a comprehensive and inclusive guide for teens. 

If your son would benefit from additional support, both the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) and LGBT Ireland offer helpful resources and helplines. TENI can be contacted at +353 (0) 1 873 3575 or by email at [email protected]. LGBT Ireland provides a helpline for young people through their website at lgbt.ie.

If you have any more questions related to this or anything else, we’re always here to help. The ISPCC’s Support Line can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by phone, Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm, at 01 522 4300.

Take care, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more guidance.

Robyn

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