Lev Grosshandler Backs Sister Who Came Out at 9, Calling Allyship a Natural Focus
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 26
Lev Grosshandler Backs Sister Who Came Out at 9, Calling Allyship a Natural Focus
1 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 26
Summary
Chazzie Grosshandler, now in her 20s, said brother Lev’s support after she came out as transgender at age 9 was her “biggest blessing” because he embraced her identity without questioning it.
Lev said that support began with gratitude that she felt safe sharing her authentic self, and has deepened as the siblings—now 20 and 26—have grown closer through shared adult experiences.
Research cited in the report links high family acceptance for LGBTQ+ young adults to stronger self-esteem, social support and general health, while rejection is tied to depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
The family’s response also led to The GenderCool Project, a nonprofit that shares positive stories of trans and nonbinary youth as Gallup data shows Americans identifying as LGBTQ+ rose from 3% in 2012 to nearly 10% in 2024.