I am the parent of a 13 year old trans masculine son and an 11 year old boy. My 11 year old struggled with accepting his older brother's transition from female to male, and was also in need of friends his age to play with after switching to homeschool. My 13 year old was already attending Fiesta Youth for middle school and high school students, so I offered to take my 11 year old to the elementary school meetings. 

He was nervous at first due to his social anxiety, but quickly found himself making friends with the other children in his first meeting. He became enthusiastic about attending the meetings, and expressed disappointment that they were only twice a month. 

Attending the meetings with the elementary school aged children helped my son improve his relationship with his brother and become more accepting of his transition. He is now a firm ally of the LGBTQ+ and of his brother. Going to Fiesta Youth played a big part in that, and I will always be grateful for the organization. 

FYK (Fiesta Youth Kids) has been so valuable to our family. There were lots of groups for teens and adults but not much for younger kids and nothing locally. I was feeling isolated and frustrated as I knew there were other families like ours and I couldn’t find them. Early on we tried a few national online groups and they were okay but we needed real, in-person community. In FYK we have found community, fun, friendships, safety, resources, advice, understanding, and just a place to be where we aren't 'other'. My daughter's childhood is better for having this group and so is my parenting journey. I believe that she has a more solid foundation for whatever challenges she may face as she grows. I am so grateful that this group exists and hope it continues and grows.