You love this child.
But you’re scared.
Maybe you haven’t said the right things.
Maybe you aren’t feeling the right things.
Maybe you’re feeling confused, angry, lost, and conflicted.
Maybe you’re worried about what your family,
your neighbors, your coworkers will think.
Maybe you’re worried that this child’s life will be harder now.
You may be all of those things. But what you are NOT
is alone.
Now, more than ever, the last thing this child needs is someone else to make them feel imperfect.
Having a child come out to you as a member of the LGBTQ community (gay, transgender, nonbinary, queer, pansexual, etc.) is NOT a punishment. It’s a gift waiting to be unwrapped, a new language to be learned, the next level up in the unpredictable game that is parenting.
When we had kids, we signed up for the ride, not knowing exactly where this child would take us.
So follow the rainbow.
The happiest, most authentic version of your child is waiting for you there. I’ll help you find your way.
About Me
I am a former lawyer, the mother of three, and the co-author of the children’s book, I Am Jazz (www.JessicaHerthel.com), which I created with trans icon Jazz Jennings.
Since the book was published in 2014, I have worked as a diversity trainer, an education director, a private consultant, and a nationally-recognized public speaker about the importance of creating safer spaces for our LGBTQ youth.
In 2018, I co-founded the first PFLAG chapter in my infamously conservative corner of southern California, raising the visibility of proud queer families in this area.
Through my many years of facilitating these monthly meetings, I have developed a unique ability to receive families who are new to this space, guiding them not only to accepting their LGBTQ loved one, but to CELEBRATING them. There is no pride quite like the realization that your extraordinary child has defied incredible odds just to live as their authentic self.
I look forward to working with you to envision a future without shame or apologies. Know that your successful evolution will create a safer world not only for your loved one, but for the young people and their families who will walk carefully in your footsteps.
How This Works
I ask that you answer a few brief questions on the “Contact Me” page to establish that I am the right fit for your needs.
Once approved via email, you can make a payment below and use the online calendar to select the date for our session, which is 45 minutes long via Zoom.
You may attend alone or with a family member.
My fee is $95 per session, subject to future adjustments based on need and demand.
Payments are accepted via PayPal (fees apply if a credit card is used) or Venmo, and must be received in advance of the session. I offer a sliding scale fee to anyone for whom cost is a concern.
Please email me no later than 24 hours in advance of the session if you need to reschedule or cancel. Prior to our appointment, you will need to download, sign, and return this PDF.
Topics I can help with include, but are not limited to:
- How to support a child who has just come out
- What to do now if your initial reaction was not ideal
- How to address unsupportive family members
- The impact that your faith community might be having
- What to do with feelings of sadness or grief
- How to process fears that your loved one might face danger or discrimination
- What to say to teachers, school administrators, sports coaches, etc.
- The meaning of “transitioning” at different ages
- Learning about “nonbinary” identity
- Getting comfortable with someone’s new pronouns and chosen name
- Addressing internalized homophobia and transphobia
- Learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable… but knowing it gets easier
I Am Jazz
by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
From the time she was two years old, Jazz knew that she was different. She loved pink and dressing up as a mermaid and didn’t feel like herself in boys’ clothing. This confused her family, until they took her to a doctor who said that Jazz was transgender and that she was born that way. Jazz’s story is based on her real-life experience and can teach any child about the importance of empathy, compassion, and friendship.
Book Appointment
Choose a date by clicking on "New Meeting" and select available slot. You are able to book up to 3 sessions in advance (I suggest no more frequently than once per week).
