Rachel Gloger Parental Protector Like other parents of transgender children, Rachel Gloger’s world went utterly topsy-turvy five years ago when her 4-year-old revealed she was a daughter, not a son. Growing up conservative and religious, Gloger had never known a transgender person, and precious few resources existed to help her family transition to their new reality. “There’s no What to Expect When You’re Expecting for this,” she explained. Gloger found the compassion and information she sought in a Los Angeles support group, but the regular drive grew tiresome, especially with two other young children (one of them autistic) at home in Carpinteria. So Gloger got together with two other trans families she’d met at a Santa Barbara PFLAG (previously, Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) meeting, and over a potluck dinner one night started building the framework that would eventually become the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network (SBTAN). That was 2015. Since then, those three families have blossomed into to a network of more than 90, with parents who’ve had more experience navigating transgender-related challenges offering guidance and support to those still full of questions. School, church, and doctor visits can be especially hard. Gloger remembered the early days with her transitioning daughter as profoundly confusing and isolating. The idea is to spare others that pain. “We tell people: ‘We’ve been through this; we have what you need. And if we don’t, we’ll hold your hand.’” SBTAN now provides its teachings and materials to other trans groups around the country, and regularly advocates for communities in states with more repressive laws. Meanwhile, Gloger’s daughter, now 9, speaks publicly about her experiences and helps other trans youth learn to love themselves. “She’s a very courageous young girl and has been through a lot,” said Gloger, acknowledging the last few years haven’t been easy for any of them, but they’ve been worth it. “It’s been a long, rocky road, but one I wouldn’t trade,” she said.
LOCAL
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Join Montessori Center School for an
OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, December 2 • 11am - 1pm
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Montessori Center School
Serving children 18 months - 6th grade
401 N. Fairview Ave. | 805-683-9383 | MCSSB.org independent.com
NOVEMBER 22, 2017
THE INDEPENDENT
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