Modern Family Takes a Step Forward for Transgender Teens

/Jeremy Whitworth/Last Updated March 23, 2023

Transgender teens are in the midst of a volatile and violent time in America. With bathroom laws and arguments about their “validity,” they can start to feel isolated and alone–but one TV show decided to help make a stand recently. Modern Family invited transgender child actor Jackson Millarker to star in an episode. Millarker will be known as the first transgender child actor to appear in a popular TV show. The Huffington Post recently reported on this story.

Giving transgender teens role models and support

Transgender teens are rarely represented on television–and when they are, it’s not by an actual transgender actor. Recently, more movies and television shows have been choosing actual transgender actors and actresses to play transgender roles. In this new episode of Modern Family, the writers decided to have a conflict arise from a comment by one of the characters to the transgender child–then they used that conflict as a learning moment. A moment to further understand the struggles that transgender children face everywhere.
This type of representation and discussion is essential for transgender rights. Without acceptance and understanding, transgender youth won’t be able to feel safe and reach their full potential as adults. We–as parents–have the ability to start this discussion with our kids. Explain to them that just because someone is different doesn’t make them “wrong” or “weird.” They’re a human being. They deserve the same love and rights that we all have.
Another example of a transgender actor becoming a role model for transgender teens is Laverne Cox. She’s most well known for her role in Orange Is the New Black, but she’s become much more than that–she’s become a beacon of hope for transgender teens hoping to become successful. We need to continue to encourage the media and big time television shows to embrace transgender actors for the sake of breeding understanding and acceptance among our own population.

Trails Carolina can help your family

Trails Carolina is a wilderness therapy program for struggling youth, ages 10-17. Our students commonly deal with issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other behavioral challenges. We use outdoor learning and wilderness therapy to improve the lives of young people.
For more information about how Trails Carolina helps transgender teens, please call 800-975-7303 today

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Jeremy Whitworth

As Executive Director at Trails Carolina, a leading wilderness therapy program for youth and teens, I oversee operations and collaborate with our leadership team. Since 2022, I've also hosted the Common Ground Podcast for parents: https://trailscarolina.com/common-ground-podcast/ With a background in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, I've managed adventure-based therapeutic programs across the US and Canada. My experiences in competitive athletics and adventure sports have honed my leadership, risk assessment, and decision-making skills, which I apply to running a successful business like Trails Carolina.

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Trails saved my daughter’s life. Amanda is an amazing human and a brilliant therapist. I am so grateful to her, Science Steve, and the other wonderful people who could reach my daughter at a time when I could not.

Margot Lowman August 2022

Great life changing experience for our son. After becoming addicted to gaming during covid he was very depressed. At Trails he experienced the wilderness, Science Steve, learning survival skills and top notch therapy and support etc… I highly recommend! This gave our son and our family a renewed family bond full of love and excitement about his bright future.

Winnifred Wilson July 2022

Outstanding clinical work and superb staff! There’s a great culture at this company and it shows with how they engage with families/clients.

Kristin Brace June 2022

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