Some days I could write 10 blog posts to cover all the things whirling through my head. I could write about the amazing LGBTQ support group C has joined that has made her feel, not only accepted, but also loved. I could write pages about the irony of the fact that my husband and C are currently in a production of Billy Elliot - my husband playing the dad who disapproves of his son dancing ballet, and C plays the bully at boxing club. I could tell you all about how lovely my family has been during this; my mum and dad accepting their new granddaughter without so much as batting an eye, my sister sending a book of make-up tips to C. I probably should, at some point, write a massive thank you to everyone in my everyday life who has gone out of his or her way to support me. To support us. That support has been all I had on some days when I really didn't think I could go any further. But today I want to write about swim suits. Yep - swim suits.

I woke up in the middle of the night a few days ago with a brand new panic: what about a swimsuit?! C is so excited to get the school year over with and get past her last commitment with boy scouts so she can come out fully and present as female. These are her self-imposed deadlines so we are supporting her all the way. But, summer time in this red state means HOT. Kids live in t-shirts, shorts and swim suits. C hasn't worn shorts in years and we now know it's because she didn't want to see her hairy legs. But she's told me she wants to learn to shave her legs and wear shorts again this summer. So, what about swim suits, too? I know it seems inane, but honestly, these little things completely overtake my brain right now, in a way I never knew possible! This is a conversation I haven't even had with C yet. Her show schedule means I've barely seen her these last few days so I thought I'd do a bit of research to see what was out there in the meantime. At the first mention of the swimsuit issue (haha - see what I did there?), a lovely friend who does not have trans children shot me a message saying she'd just read an article about trans swim wear, along with a link to an etsy shop. I must admit I hadn't even begun thinking there might be actual TRANS swim suits! Well, off I went to check out the trans swimwear and I was thrilled. Who knew there was this whole world of trans swimsuits, knickers and various other undergarments? Double layered, padded crotches to disguise a "bulge"; double layered, tight fitting halters to bind trans boys; padded tops to add curves, etc. I am so pleased that I am now armed with some knowledge and that C and I can spend some time looking at the options this evening.

So, save yourself some hunting. Here are some fab links for swimwear and other undergarments. I have specifically stayed away from the ones seemingly aimed more at the cross-dressing and performing community. I'm looking for stuff my teen can wear and something that may help you, too.

LeoLines - an Etsy shop with custom made items ranging from American Girl doll clothing to Trans Swimsuits and leotards.

THINX - This line of underwear was originally designed for women during their periods but they have now created a "boyshorts" style for trans men. Read the article in the Huffington Post here.

Chrysalis - A small line of high end bras and knickers for trans women.

Hepari - This line of women's swim suits carries "mastectomy friendly" designs, as well as full and half cup inserts. These tankinis and full suits (and a few bikinis) might be just the ticket for the top half of a trans girl, though I think the bottoms wouldn't be quite up to the task.

Transkids.biz - this site is aimed at young children. There is limited selection now but watch this space.

Incidentally, if you've got a trans girl, this little video I've just come across on "tucking" might prove handy. There's a bit of a graphic description at the end, which was helpful for this mum, and a show and tell of good knickers for trans girls. :)

I seem to have gone down the rabbit hole a bit and found several FtM sites with all sorts of goodies - not just underwear. Be forewarned: NOT SAFE FOR WORK OR CHILDREN (unless you are cool with seeing penises right off the bat) Here are a couple of the top ones I found:

FtMEssentials.com

Transguys.com

I hope these links give you a place to start as you navigate these tricky waters along with me!