In the third installment of Unravelling's 2025 Pride series, Mary speaks with Dr. Marley Balasco, an inpatient psychology specialist at the Brattleboro Retreat, about how to support young people as they explore and affirm their gender identities.

Dr. Balasco breaks down the difference between gender and sexuality, and offers insight into how children and adolescents come to understand who they are. She highlights the vital role that family support plays in mental health outcomes, and explains why curiosity, validation, and open-mindedness are essential when working with gender-diverse youth.

Together, they explore how gender development is a natural and expected part of growing up, and how cultural, societal, and political forces can either uplift or deeply harm young people in the process. Whether you're a parent, provider, educator, or ally, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and concrete ways to support the well-being of trans and gender-expansive youth.

Links -
The Trevor Project - The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people, providing information and support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.

Gender Spectrum - Gender Spectrum's mission is to create a gender-inclusive world for all children and youth. To accomplish this, we help families, organizations, and institutions increase their understanding of gender and consider the implications that evolving views have for each of us.