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My Child Is Trans* - What Now?

June 8, 2026

The psychological distress experienced by children and adolescents who feel they have been born as the wrong gender is immense. It can even lead to suicide. But is gender reassignment at a young age the right decision?

Wide-angle shot of a person standing on a snowy hill overlooking a mountainous landscape with lakes. The person holds soap bubble wands while numerous soap bubbles float in the clear air under a blue sky.
Image: SWR

"Whatever created my body simply made a mistake in the production process,” explains Kira. The 17-year-old was born a boy. Five years ago, she came out to her parents: "I’m a girl.”

Image: SWR

After the initial shock, Kira’s parents wondered how they could help their child — because puberty was just around the corner, with facial hair growth and a changing voice. "We asked ourselves: But what if it’s just a phase?” recalls Kira’s mother. Should they agree to medical interventions — or wait and see and do nothing? Both can cause harm. A dilemma.

Interventions involving hormone treatments and gender-affirming surgeries have side effects. That’s why children and parents should be certain that the trans identity is permanent before starting therapy.

Image: SWR

After all, there are also phases of adolescence in which children and teens experiment with gender roles—without being trans. How can you tell the difference? And what’s best for your own child?

This documentary explores the search for answers. Filmmaker Renate Werner accompanies three families as they navigate these difficult decisions. She approaches the adolescents with sensitivity and helps make their motivations understandable. She speaks with experts about the still-emerging field of trans research and what science currently knows about trans identity.
 

Broadcasting Hours:

DW English

FRI 12.06.2026 – 01:15 UTC
FRI 12.06.2026 – 04:15 UTC
FRI 12.06.2026 – 10:15 UTC
SAT 13.06.2026 – 13:15 UTC
SUN 14.06.2026 – 19:15 UTC
MON 15.06.2026 – 09:15 UTC
MON 15.06.2026 – 14:15 UTC
MON 15.06.2026 – 21:15 UTC
TUE 16.06.2026 – 07:15 UTC
WED 17.06.2026 – 12:15 UTC

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Delhi UTC +5,5 | Bangkok UTC +7 | Hong Kong UTC +8
London UTC +1 | Berlin UTC +2 | Moscow UTC +3
San Francisco UTC -7 | Edmonton UTC -6 | New York UTC -4

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