MHM Magazine

46 | MENTALHEALTHMATTERS | Issue 2 | 2021 MHM or “dead name” (using their old name) a person – to them, it is like denying their existence. • Don’t make assumptions about how your child would like to dress, what sport they want to play and other gendered stereotypes – let them take the lead in their own individuality and show you what their gender means to them. • Don’t make assumptions about their sexual orientation. • Educate yourself on transgender terms, issues and rights so that you can advocate for your child. • Parents and loved ones of a person transitioning need support too – seek help from mental health professionals and support groups for parents of transgender youth. Prof Grobler warned that there was no scientific evidence to support so-called conversion or reparative “therapy” aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and that the evidence in fact showed that these discredited practices were more likely to be harmful and destructive. “SASOP opposes any forms of such treatment,” he said. “However, a transition in gender identity can be extremely stressful and psychotherapy can play a vital supporting role in helping a person come to self-fulfilling acceptance and self-actualisation, as well as developing the life skills to cope with prejudice, discrimination and rejection,” he said. Resources and organisations that can provide further information and support: Groote Schuur Hospital Transgender Clinic – counselling, mental health support, gender- affirming care, info on support groups:  http://www.psychiatry.uct.ac.za/ psych/clinical-services/groote- schuur-hospital Tel: 021 404 2151 or email GSH. PsychOPD@westerncape.gov.za Matimba – emotional and psychological support for transgender youth and their families: https://www.matimba.org.za/ page-about-us.html Tel: 074 0845 237 or email info@ matimba.org.za OUT – counselling, health services, advocacy:  https://out.org.za Tel: 012 430 3272 or email hello@ out.org.za Gender Dynamix – trans & diverse gender resources and information portal: https://www.genderdynamix.org. za Tel 021 447 4797 or email info@ genderdynamix.co.za Triangle Project – counselling, health care, support groups:  https://triangle.org.za Helpline 021 712 6699 or email  info@triangle.org.za References available upon request