Cat Poland | Author + Storyteller

Something to Say

“Writing comes as a result of a very strong impulse, and when it does come, I, for one, must get it out.” – C. S. Lewis

What To Do When Your Child Comes Out As Trans

October 11, 2022

Hello dear. Please sit down. Or let’s take a walk if that feels better. You need some water? How about a bite to eat? It’s important to tend to your basic needs at this moment. Your child just told you something that was very surprising, or maybe a little surprising, or maybe you kinda sorta knew, and feel like you shouldn’t be shocked, but here you are.

Your child is trans. Maybe they told you face to face. Maybe it was a text. Maybe you found out through the grapevine. Maybe you found a note crumpled up in a backpack.

Your child is not who you thought they were. They are not who they were told they were.

I’m not sure that “rules” are really helpful here but you know what? Some structure …

Revealing Self

Artwork provided by the incomparable Amber Vanhatala Stene, friend, and mentor. I posed for this series in college and was given an original work as a wedding gift–a treasure I cherish.

About Cat

Cat Poland - Middle-aged white woman with dirty blonde hair, and an average face.

Burbling, bubbling, bursting at the seams…or so it seems. My desire to write and create and paint a story with my fingertip-brushes dancing on the keys: it’s unquenchable. I am one of the lucky ones, paid for my passion as a copywriter and communication strategist. But here–here you will find my extra, my delight, my just-because, my rants, my opinions, and snapshots of this season in life. I’m no parenting expert–but I’m fiercly committed to raising my voice for the health and wellbeing of children, especially those who are autistic. I’m no political expert–but I’m fiercly committed to raising my voice for the oppressed, the stressed, and the marginalized. I’m no great scholar of faith–but I’m fiercly committed to raising my voice in praise of the God who loves.

I have something to say. And when life gives you a story, tell it.