2023 NORTH STAR ANNUAL CONFERENCE

BREAKOUT SESSION 1 | FRIDAY | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM | SNOWBIRD

PARENTS OF GENDER IDENTITY - CONNECTING WITH EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING

This closed-door session is for parents of children who experience gender dysphoria or identify as transgender, non-binary, or intersex. This is a time to connect with other families in an effort to build a support network. Parents will have the opportunity to discuss their questions in a safe and supportive environment with other parents who understand the complexities of gender identity. This will not be about getting prescribed answers, but about exploring the issues and emotions associated with topics that can often be confusing and difficult to address.

DEMOGRAPHIC: PARENTS & FAMILY | CLOSED DOOR SESSION

BECKY BELNAP

Becky Belnap is a mother of five, including a transgender daughter. She loves Jesus, her four grandchildren, and international travel. She starts her Master's degree in Social Work this fall at the University of Utah. She leads the monthly Zoom calls for the Northstar Parents who have children with differing gender identity.

MONICA PHILLIPS

Monica and her husband, James, reside in Mesa, Arizona. They have five wonderful children including a transgender son and a gay daughter. Monica was introduced to North Star early on in their journey in 2018. The connections she has made with wonderful parents and others in the community has been life changing. Monica is passionate about ministering to other parents of transgender children in her local community. Her hope is that no parent will feel alone, no child will go unloved or unsupported, and that families will draw strength from the Savior and know that there is hope and peace on the horizon. Monica looks at her journey as an amazing, transformative, growth experience that has helped her become the person she is meant to be.