Social transition is a term used to describe the process where an individual decides to change their social identity. It often includes a change of name, a change of pronouns, and a change in clothes, hairstyle, grooming, and mannerisms. It often involves the person “coming out” as transgender. Social transition is a powerful psychosocial intervention. It requires the participation of other people to affirm a self-declared identity. Schools should never unilaterally implement the social transition of a student without parents’ knowledge or consent. Many studies have highlighted the risk that social transition can increase the likelihood of the persistence of a transgender identity, and that it can interfere with healthy identity development. 

 

In our experience facilitating a child’s social transition makes is more difficult for that child to desist or detransition. Social transition can concretize what would have been a passing identity. It can be embarrassing and difficult for a child to publicly announce they’ve changed their mind. And we know that kids change their minds all the time. We have the responsibility as parents to speak truthfully to and about our child. The truth is that no one is born in the wrong body and people cannot change sex. We do not believe it is helpful to anyone to pretend otherwise.