Marsha Aizumi, author of "Two Spirits, One Heart," to speak on coming out as a parent to her trans son

Marsha Aizumi

Often when we hear about LGBT coming out stories, we focus on the person coming out. But the parent of an LGBT person experiences a similar, but in many ways, different coming out story. Marsha Aizumi will share her experiences as the mother of a transgender man and their resilient mother-son relationship, speaking on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the Asterisk Trans* Conference.

Marsha is an educator and advocate for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, a cause she embraced due, in large part, to the harassment and bullying her son experienced throughout high school. She serves on the national board of PFLAG – Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians & Gays.

Her book Two Spirits, One Heart: A Mother, Her Transgender Son, and Their Journey to Love and Acceptance, delves into her son's, her family's, and her own journey towards acceptance and celebration.

For those who are struggling with their child’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or any perceived difference, I hope this story gives you hope, information, and a vision of what your love and support can mean to your child," says Marsha. "I didn’t foresee that this path would bring me so much joy and provide me with such rich and rewarding experiences. I did not believe that I could summon up such courage to speak up and speak out. I would never have known how profusely my love could flow or how far my love could reach. All of these things have been gifts of this path I have chosen to walk with my son."

Online registration for the Asterisk Trans* Conference opens October 24.