I really don't understand how parents can talk about gay couples' PDA as a problem or a transgender teen's suicide and not the fact that too many of our kids are being murdered in the schools and on the streets.

Acceptance comes through understanding.

To parents who find a child's disclosure about sexual or gender identity challenging, I always urge what I'd call "moderated" honesty. If you can't say "I love you," then say something like, "I'm going to need some time to digest this news." Buy time this way. And then think.

Too many people think that "good manners" are about subjugating yourself to others. Not true. Respect, and just as important, self-respect are two key elements in this equation.

When someone transitions you should refer to them by their new name both in the present and with references back in time.

I know many of my female friends do not like being referred to as "ladies."

The right to be married was hard earned by the marriage equality movement and one of its "perks" is the right to use the terms commonly associated with marriage; husband and wife are the two most common.