“A lot can change when a parent recognizes when they might be acting from a place of - I want you to confide in me because it confirms my self image as a trusting, caring parent. Versus, when parents operate from a perspective of - I want you to confide in me to the extent that it affirms your own self-image and helps your own growth.” Ray Watson Welcome to the Parenting Well podcast with Parent Engagement Network!  I am Dr. Shelly Mahon, your host and today’s well sources are Ray Watson  Raye Watson (they/them) is a 23-year-old writer and designer living in the Denver metro area. Between grassroots nonprofits and student organizations, they’ve led hundreds of hours of workshops and fallen in love with storytelling for change. Drawn to social justice by their experiences as a queer student and artist, Raye lives happily in the intersection between art, academia, and advocacy. Their diverse body of work is connected by themes of design thinking, disability equity, and gender freedom. Their whole vibe is less "sex, drugs, rock and roll" and more "naps, meds, mellow jazz."  Raye Watson’s monologue - “Gender Play & Possibility” shares an experience of negotiating limiting and pathologizing narratives to access gender-affirming care. But on the other side of transition, their new freedom to expand into their true version of being nonbinary - an experience, not of neutrality, but multiplicity. In this podcast, we talk about: The variety of narratives a person experiences in the transition to non-binary or transgender. The difference between body dysmorphia and dysphoria. Issues surrounding the medical necessity of having gender dysphoria to qualify for treatment Gender euphoria perspectives and how informed consent models put transgender people at the authority of their own experience. Movement from dysphoria to liberty and freedom Finding authenticity of gender alongside your humanity How parents and young people can work together to stop the cycle of invulnerability. Using progressive disclosure in your parenting. Creating spaces for young people to engage in support groups, leadership opportunities, etc as an invitation to try different things on and see what fits. Resources: Event: Transformative Stories from Transgender and Nonbinary Leaders Website: Modus Theater Email: Modus Theater PFlag: Our Trans Loved Ones All socials can be found at: @MotusTheater