If you were a parent or loved one of a 10-year-old who just unexpectedly told you they are transgender or nonbinary, where would you go for support? If you’re reading this — you will quickly learn, help is available. There’s a wonderful and impassioned gentleman living in Union County who just so happens to also be the founder of the Gender Education Network, Joshua Jernigan.
Originally from Kentucky, Jernigan spends his days affirming, educating and advocating for gender-diverse youth who are in need of support and referrals for affirming care. Jernigan has literally made a mission and concerted effort at reminding folks: “trans rights are human rights.” During this interview, Qnotes learned more about what makes Jernigan tick, why he’s still madly in love with his husband and his dreams for a future where all human beings are treated with dignity and equity.
L’Monique King: What’s your connection to the Gender Education Network?
Joshua Jernigan: I am the founder of the Gender Education Network. I noticed that there was a gap in care for trans kids and gender-diverse kids who needed support. So, I started GEN in 2018. I was looking for something purposeful to do with my life as my kids were getting older. My husband supported it, and now, here we are.
LMK: What kind of background helped to equip you for this?
JJ: I have an associate’s degree in elementary education and then started working on my bachelor’s [also] in elementary education, but then adopted a child. [At that time] it made more sense for me to stay home with our child, especially considering my husband makes more than I ever could as an engineer [chuckling].
LMK: Considering the current political climate and the type of work you do, what keeps you living in the South?
JJ: I’ve stayed because — down here needs this support. We are the only organization that does this work, so [at this point] if we left, there would be no one left.
LMK: What inspired you to get into advocacy and education work for trans and gender-diverse youth?
JJ: A lot of it was just the lack of people standing up for these kids. Time Out Youth does a great job, but I didn’t see much happening for younger kids. Inspiration also came from making sure that people know trans kids exist and have a right to live their life as who they are.
JJ: What’s a typical day like for you?
LMK: [Bursting into hysterical laughter] I’ve got a lot of kids [three and a toddler that visits often], so there’s no such thing as a typical day. During the summer they’re off to camp and I get a little more time to work, but typically I have one or two kids with me each day, and those days are about centering their needs before mine. In between all that, I do nonprofit and behind-the-scenes work.
LMK: With all that going on, how do you practice self-care?
JJ: Primarily it is after the kids go to bed and [I’m] sitting in silence for a little bit. Sometimes it’s reading a book, sometimes it’s writing. Whatever it is, I’m making sure I’m doing something for 30 minutes that I want to do and not something someone expects me to do.
LMK: What do you do for fun, and who do you do it with?
JJ: I hike, mostly with my family. My oldest [child] has a YouTube Channel about exploring. Right now, we’re really big on National Parks. Our goal is to hit as many as we can before they lose interest. We love nature and doing things in nature as a family.
LMK: When you reflect on your life, what’s been your greatest accomplishment thus far?
JJ: [Thoughtful pause] Raising my kids. I’m not great at a lot of things, but I’m a great dad.
LMK: What can you tell us about your husband?
JJ: My husband is the most patient person I’ve ever met. We’ve been together almost 20 years, and we grew up together — though he matured faster than me. He brings a calmness into everything he does — his partnership, his parenting, being a businessman, all of that — and I am probably the luckiest human on earth because I have him.
LMK: What would your husband say is your most pain-in-the-ass quality?
JJ: I’m a pushover and a yes man. I can’t stand to tell people no — it pains him to this day. I want everybody to be happy, and if I can make them happy, I’m going to do everything I can to do that.
LMK: When you think about the upcoming midterm elections, are you hopeful or dismayed, and why?
JJ: I am cautious, and the reason is we’ve heard before that there’s going to be a big blue wave and all we got is more anti-trans legislation. So, I’m doing everything I can to advance people that would make me feel hopeful, but I still remain cautious.
LMK: What frightens you most?
JJ: I’m afraid of heights and the current political climate.
LMK: If you could only give one word of advice to the parent of a trans or gender-diverse child, what would it be?
JJ: Listen to your kid. Believe your kid. They know who they are better than anyone else in the world.
LMK: Let’s get more personal. Choose your preference: chicken or pizza?
JJ: Chicken.
LMK: Sports or music?
JJ: Music.
LMK: Cake or pie?
JJ: Pie. I hate cake. I don’t passionately dislike anything, but I hate cake. My husband and I got married quietly, no big ceremony [and no cake] because I hate cake.
LMK: Thinking back to your youth, if we were putting together a yearbook, according to your friends, what would you be voted most likely to do or become?
JJ: I don’t know. I hated high school and have blocked out most memories of high school. I was the weird kid who fit in with every group but didn’t have any friends. I went to school to get my education and get the heck out — and that’s what I did.
LMK: What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
JJ: I hope to continue to be doing what I’m doing. I teach queer history [mostly online to home schoolers], and I hope to be able to continue to do that.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
