Families with trans and non-binary kids are facing bans on bathroom use, bans on sports participation, bans on affirming pronoun use in schools, bans on use of chosen names, and even bans on life-saving medical care for their trans children. Those of us with trans family members find ourselves in, what often feels like, an impossible situation of trying to figure out how we can possibly protect our children from the worst of the harm. Some families are considering moving states, or even leaving the United States, to escape anti-trans legislation and to seek safer, more supportive environments for their children. Today In the Den, we’re hosting a conversation with Suzy and Debi, two moms with families who have done just that–picked up and moved countries in order to access gender affirming care, safety in schools, and to find a less overall hostile climate for their queer children.
Special Guest: Suzanne Solomon
Suzanne Solomon, her husband, and their son, lived in the Dallas area of Texas, where she was a professional opera singer. She has joined protests from the Women’s March to Black Lives Matter to Pride and more, participated in letter writing campaigns, called representatives, campaigned for Beto O’Rourke, attended ACLU of Texas events to help counter proposed legislation. Mama Dragons has been a huge resource, and a source of comfort and community. Getting out of the country is incredibly difficult and expensive, and the Solomons owe a lot to family, fellow US emigrants, and friends who helped them check every box on their journey from the US to Finland.
Special Guest: Debi Jackson
Debi is a longtime advocate for transgender youth and LGBTQ+ inclusion, known for her compassionate storytelling and public education efforts. She became an activist in 2014 when a speech about her child Avery’s gender journey went viral, and she’s been speaking out ever since to help other families feel less alone. Avery later appeared on the cover of National Geographic’s “Gender Revolution” issue — an iconic moment that brought global visibility but also intense backlash. In response to the growing wave of anti-trans legislation and public hostility in the U.S., Debi and her family made the difficult decision to move to Europe. Now, she shares her experiences as a parent, advocate, and expat to highlight the real-life impact of transphobia and the importance of finding and building affirming community wherever you are.
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