Content Note: This episode includes discussion of transgender identity, mental health, depression, self-harm, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) in the United States for free, confidential support 24/7.
What does it actually feel like to watch your child become more fully themselves – and realize that your child’s journey may ask you to grow alongside them?
We sit down with parent and REEL co-founder, Callie Turk, a mom who gets it in her bones. She's not a researcher or a clinician. She's a parent who has lived it – the sleepless nights, the fear of getting it wrong, and the profound, unexpected joy of watching her daughter thrive.
She opens up about raising her transgender daughter: what the early days really looked like, how her own assumptions were quietly dismantled, and what she wishes someone had told her when her family was just finding its footing. She talks honestly about the moments that changed her, and why creating a family atmosphere where her daughter feels completely safe and seen has become such a meaningful part of her life.
This is a conversation about love in action – messy, learning, fiercely committed love. It's also about finding your people, setting aside the noise, and trusting your kid.
If you're a parent trying to figure out how to show up for your child, or if you've ever felt alone on this road – this one's for you.
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Santo Rico by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://www.twinmusicom.org/
