Transgender kids are changing the world. And there is so much evidence of how and why.  For starters, widespread rumors that the LGBTQ+ community will soon be the next group threatened by the current administration’s discriminatory executive actions. While I will never give up championing equality for all the marginalized among us, I know how easy it is to become overwhelmed by worry and fear.

So instead of disturbing headlines and weariness and a knot in my stomach, I turned to the voices of kids. They’re my go-to for tapping internal strength and the positive mental attitude that tells fear to take a back seat and just shut up. Children feel our connectedness as one big human family. That is, until somebody teaches them to fear our differences. And until someone tries to destroy it, the youngest among us know their individual worthiness and the joy that comes with just being themselves.

Willa’s story.

I re-watched the YouTube video about then-eight-year-old Willa Naylor, the trans girl to whom Malta dedicated its Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act. Her story is one of the most uplifting ever.

Jazzing up my coffee table.

Next I read my coffee table copy of I Am Jazz, about transgender teen Jazz Jennings, who knew as a toddler that she had “a girl’s brain in a boy’s body.”

Jazz, now a national figure, is a role model for my 11-year-old transgender hero and friend, Conner McClaren. Conner had a beautiful personal essay published in the Jan-Feb issue of New Moon Girls magazine. She shares with young readers the story of her life as a girl who just happens to be trans, as well as her goal to be an advocate for LGBTQ+ equality.

Like Willa, Jazz, Conner, and my own gender-nonconforming child who at two told me that inside his head he was a girl, trans kids need to be heard and loved unconditionally. They know who they are. And knowing one of those children is going to be what changes the hearts and minds of those who fear them.

A gender revolution.

I’m eager to see the upcoming National Geographic special, “Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric.” I hope you get a chance to see it too. The two-hour program about the ever-evolving notion of gender identity airs Monday night, Feb. 6. (The show will repeat at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, Feb. 10 and Monday, Feb. 13. ) Couric talked recently with Matt Lauer about the “Gender Revolution” special.

The opposite of fear.

Let’s remember that it’s today’s youth from every group who shape popular culture and broaden national conversations. We must listen to their truths and share their stories. Because everyone, including government officials, can listen, learn and fear not the most vulnerable among us. That’s when we can take actions to end discrimination at all levels.

My own fears, for now, remain quiet. And I’m back on track knowing that everything will get better. So many parents, friends, allies and advocates for human dignity are also fighting against fear of  “the other.” And the opposite of fear will always be love.

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST YOU’LL PROBABLY ALSO LIKE THESE:

“LGBTQ kids need us more than ever.”

“My new role model is an 11-year-old transgender girl.”

“A look to the future for gender-nonconforming kids.”