“HSZ&W has totally transformed me! I learned so much from those meetings to help me understand and navigate. What I learned is invaluable and I have used it many times to help educate others. Shannon and the other attendees accepted me in with open arms and guided me gently. I’m not sure where I would be today, almost 10 years after that 1st meeting. This group is absolutely crucial to parents of trans/non-binary/gender queer/gender non-conforming kids.” – HSZ&W Family
“The years of political attacks of transgender kids have created a constant level of threat for families like mine. The biggest gift He She Ze and We has given us is to know we’re not alone. The connection with other families with transgender children has given me a safe place to ask questions, express concerns and find understanding.” – Current HSZ&W Family
“All of our lives are positively impacted by HSZ&W. It helped us as parents to accept and advocate, and it gave our child peace of mind.” – Current HSZ&W Family
“Knowing that there are families going through similar situations and people who truly care and support families like us made me feel relieved, happy, and confident.” – Current HSZ&W Family
“He She Ze and We has become an indispensable resource and source of comfort and community for myself, my family, and my trans loved one.” – Current HSZ&W Family
“HSZW was a lifeline when my son first told us he was transgender. A family friend told me about an “awesome woman” who ran a support group for parents just like me-confused, scared, and needing to know next steps and how to best support our kids. Being in a room with other folks who understood exactly what I was going through–because they had been there themselves–was exactly what I needed. Questions were answered, fears were allayed, and new friends were made. I am so thankful for all I have learned through this group, and to now be able to support others as one who has “been there.” – Michelle B., she/her
“I have been truly blessed by the support, guidance, and love shown me by the caregiver participants of He She Ze and We. From the very beginning of my journey to understand my transgender son, I felt a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences with a supportive group of strangers. The group facilitator, Shannon, was welcoming to me as a “guilt ridden, fear ladened, new parent” and her kind and caring demeanor unknowingly assured me that in time everything in my world would be alright. I have been empowered by HSZW and can now offer my family experiences and stories of support to other parents and caregivers to help them better understand their transgender child.” – L.Frances B., she/her
“There is no way that I personally would have made it through the past 5 years of my life, if I hadn’t been told about He She Ze and We. From the moment I found out what their purpose was and that there were other parents out there dealing with the same new discoveries, I no longer felt that I was alone on this journey. Shannon is one of the most patient and understanding people that I have ever known, and our family will be forever grateful to her, and all of the families that have opened their hearts and shared their stories, no matter how painful it may be. I am proud to be part of an organization that works with both parents and their children to keep the conversation going and always moving forward!” – Rosemarie O., she/her