Parents of Trans Youth Community

Blue background with white text that reads "Parents of Trans Youth Community" and a white star outlined with lines and small marks around it.

Tame the anxiety.
Be with people who just get it.
Find joy and celebration.

Discussion forums + live events + resources =
a safe, upbeat community for parents of trans kids

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You're not alone. Join us!

Who is this community for?

This positive, energetic community (PTYC*) is for parents and caregivers of trans youth and young adults who:

  • Affirm and celebrate their transgender children

  • Crave authentic connections with other parents

  • Need a safe space to share concerns and ask questions

*Insider tip: We pronounce “PTYC” as “pee-tee why-see”!

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A young woman in a graduation cap and gown is kissed on both cheeks by her parents in a park.

  • "I have never met such a loving, caring, and supportive group, and I'm so thankful for it."

    B. L., Texas

  • "I have found PTYC to be a supportive space as I navigate life with my trans daughter. The resources, the support groups and now even a book club! I find it to be an amazing and necessary space!!"

    C. S., New York

  • "PTYC is perfect for parents who are looking for engagement and support in a safe, positive space. It is such a pleasure to interact openly with other members, a group of people who not only understand the unique challenges but who also seek to amplify the joys that come with raising our amazing trans kids!"

    H. H., Texas

  • "I think the Parents of Trans Youth Community is perfect for parents who are just learning about their gender diverse kid or parents who are looking to connect more with parents who have had similar experiences as them. Connecting with this community helps remind me I am not alone."

    L. L., Colorado

  • "My favorite thing about PTYC is that it is my place to be vulnerable.  As parents of trans kids, we are so used to being the advocates, the protectors, and the supporters. This is our safe place to take off those hats, recharge, and get our own support."

    P. J., Rhode Island

  • "The Parents of Trans Youth Community is necessary for parents/families who are in need of community within an environment that asks nothing of you but to just be...human. The community will meet you where you are. "

    N. H.., Pennsylvania

  • "It's such a relief to have a place like PTYC to connect with other supportive parents who are familiar with the specific issues trans kids face. From the big things like healthcare to (seemingly) small things like haircuts, the people here get it."

    M. T., New Jersey

  • “One thing I really love about the Parents of Trans Youth Community is how instantly seen, supported, and understood I feel—like I’m not alone in this journey. I especially appreciate that there are parents with kids the same age as mine, facing similar challenges and milestones, which makes the support feel even more relevant and real.”

    J. B.., Missouri

  • "PTYC is perfect for parents who have no clue where to begin. PTYC is a warm, welcoming community that helped me feel less alone as a parent who loves their child deeply but felt lost. I’m so grateful for the love and guidance I’ve received."

    D. M., Texas

Inside the Parents of Trans Youth Community:
Connection, Guidance, Belonging

Joining our community means stepping into a space where you—and your child—are seen, supported and celebrated. Here’s what’s inside.

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A smartphone screen displaying a menu with sections titled Connect, Learn, and Links. The Connect section includes options like Announcements, Events, Conversation, Member Directory, Introduce yourself, and Texas stuff. The Links section has options to download the Android and iOS apps.
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How it works

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Submit a short application

Tell us a bit about yourself, your family, and why you're interested in joining the community. This helps us keep the space safe and aligned.

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Get a personal response

Our team reviews every application with care. You'll hear back within 2-3 days, and we’re here if you have questions along the way.

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Chat with a
member

If needed, you’ll be invited to schedule a quick Zoom call with either Mandy Giles or a vetted Parents of Trans Youth volunteer to make sure our community is the right fit for you.

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Choose your membership

Once approved, select the plan that works best for you.

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Join the
community

You’ll get access to the private platform, discussion groups, live events, and ongoing support. You’re officially part of a caring, informed network of parents walking this path too.

Who we are + What we stand for

Mandy Giles (she/her) is the parent of two nonbinary young adults and the founder and CEO of Parents of Trans Youth. She is the warm, welcoming, and encouraging presence that parents can turn to for help. She teaches with patience, listens without judgment, and shares generously from her personal experience.

About us

Parents of Trans Youth specializes in learning, support, and community to help parents and caregivers of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth/young adults ensure that their kids are safe and affirmed at home and out in the world.

Our mission

  • That’s what it’s all about. Connecting authentically with other humans. Being in community is what makes our lives more meaningful and enjoyable. It’s lonely and boring to go it alone.

  • PTYC is for getting and giving support. This space was built to be the first stop for all of your questions, worries, and concerns, so ask away! But the community won’t mean much if everyone’s asking and no one’s answering. Our members take the time to support each other by offering encouragement, sharing their experience, and showing empathy.

  • Members are building this community together! We ask for your feedback regularly to build programs that are engaging and fun. And as PTYC grows, you’ll have opportunities to contribute on a leadership level.

  • Yep, parenting trans kids can be tough. We’ll get vulnerable in this space, and we’ll go deep. But we’ll be doing that in a positive space with energy and joy. Along with support and educational events, we’ll also have fun social get-togethers to build community.

Our values

Your investment

We’ve made this community affordable on purpose

You’ll get full access to the support and resources you need, at a price that works for your family.

Invest in community, not just content

Sliding-scale membership that sustains a safe, affirming space for parents like you.

Flexible pricing for families like yours

Because every parent deserves support—regardless of their budget.

Affordable, flexible membership that helps you grow, connect, and show up for your child—fully supported.

Support that’s worth it

Your membership sustains this safe, intentional space—and gives you tools, care, and community that make a real difference.
Join us!

  • $96/quarter – great if you’re testing it out or need flexibility

  • $320/year – our best value (save over 15%)

Both plans include full access to community forums, live events, expert sessions, and resources.

Membership options

If the membership fee feels out of reach right now, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help.

Scholarships are available through a judgment-free request on the application form. No essays, no gatekeeping—just a quick way for us to get you what you need.

Need a hand with cost? We got you.

I'm ready to apply!

 FAQs

  • We know that parents of trans kids want to feel seen, supported, and safe, so we’ve got several security measures in place: Application form, Zoom interview, invite-only membership, independent community platform, membership fee, robust community guidelines around confidentiality, and moderated discussions.

  • Circle takes security seriously. All data is encrypted (AES-256 while stored, TLS 1.2+ while moving), and backup and recovery systems are in place and regularly tested. No live member data is used for testing, and old equipment is wiped clean before disposal. Their systems are regularly updated and monitored for vulnerabilities.

    Circle also follows international privacy standards (like the EU’s SCCs for data transfers) and won’t use your information to train AI models. While no system can ever be 100% risk-free, Circle follows recognized industry security practices to keep your data as safe as possible. For more information, please see Circle’s Data Processing Addendum.

  • Sort of, but without all the baggage. No ads. No Meta dudebros. No randos. More interaction and connection. This is a carefully vetted group of people who all have the intent of helping each other.

  • Spend as much or as little time as you like in PTYC. Of course, the more interaction you put in, the more you’ll get out of it.

  • The Circle community platform is intuitive and easy to use. Our new member checklist walks you step-by-step through how to use the community, and we have a new member orientation call each month. If you can navigate Facebook, you can handle this.

  • PTYC is a program of Parents of Trans Youth, a social impact business specializing in learning, support, and community for parents and caregivers of transgender and gender-expansive kids to ensure they are safe and affirmed at home and out in the world. Founder Mandy Giles manages the community.

  • Members in an online space typically need a 3-month experience to get the full value of a community. So, we don’t offer refunds, but if you’re still not satisfied after 3 months, you can cancel your membership.

  • If you’re wrestling with accepting your child’s gender identity or struggling to see a future beyond your grief, you may not be ready for PTYC yet. But there are still ways we can help you!

    Please consider enrolling in our online course "Parents of Trans Youth 101" where you'll learn how to start unraveling the "head and heart" part of parenting transgender kids and young adults. This program is a great first step to understanding. We meet you where you are during these beginning stages and help you to grapple with the new challenges you’re facing such as coping with grief, learning gender vocabulary and concepts, telling family members, and more. More resources available at www.parentsoftransyouth.com.

  • For the safety of our members, we have a multi-step application process. 1) Fill out the application form below. 2) If your application is approved, you’ll schedule a short Zoom interview and receive an email letting you know about the status of your application. 3) If you’re approved to join PTYC, you’ll receive an email with the link to purchase a membership. Applicants who personally know current community members may not have to schedule a Zoom interview. Questions about the application process? Email mandy@parentsoftransyouth.com.

  • Because safety and clarity are such a big deal for this space, each membership is tied to one individual. That just helps us make sure everyone in PTYC is aligned with the expectations, and that we're keeping the space as safe and accountable as possible for all the parents in the community.

Ready to join us? Start here!

We’re excited to have you join the community!
The next application window is August 1 - 7, 2026.

👇 In the meantime, let us support you through our newsletter 👇

Join the email list

Parents of Trans Youth provides peer-to-peer support, resources, and community to parents and families of youth who are transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive. Parents of Trans Youth does not provide parenting advice or any professional services, including, but not limited to, the following: mental health advice or services, therapeutic advice or services, counseling advice or services, medical advice or services, legal advice or services, or crisis intervention services.