797: Raising A Transgender Child {Interview with Jaime Jara}

"A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself-and especially to feel, or not feel. Whatever you happen to be feeling at any moment is fine with them. That's what real love amounts to - letting a person be what he really is." ― Jim Morrison   Jaime Jara (she/her) is a woman who wears many hats. A native New Yorker, she navigates daily life in Florida with her husband, 3 kids, and a plethora of furbabies. She holds a Bachelor's degree with history and sociology concentrations as well as a Master of Science degree in leadership and management. She lends her voice and perspective as a parent of a transgender child to shed light on the challenges faced by the trans community. Jaime is an active member of the national LGBTQ organizations, Mama Dragons and PFLAG, who aim to empower and support parents of LGBTQ children. After a long stint in corporate America, Jaime is putting her graduate degree to good use by starting her second career as a high school educator. She has been a guest speaker in schools, participated on panels and in research studies, and has appeared on television to advocate for transgender acceptance and inclusion. She has penned numerous essays about her journey with her trans child. Jaime aspires to be signing copies of her bestselling novel one day when she finally slows down enough to write it. You can follow her journey with her family on Instagram @Jaidonna19.   In this episode, Jaime and I talk about: How to advocate for safety for LGBTQ+ children How to let your children stand in who they want to be How to listen with an open heart and open mind   Continue the conversation on Instagram @heatherchauvin_ 3 major support groups for parents of LGBTQ+ children: Mama Dragons (mamadragons.org) PFLAG (pflag.org) Mama Bears (realmamabears.org)