By: Mike Jones
Navigating parenthood can be complex in today’s ever-changing world, especially when raising gender-expansive children. Rachel Hulstein-Lowe, a licensed therapist and gender diversity expert, understands these challenges firsthand. As the founder of Rachel Hulstein-Lowe, LLC, and the creator of the Positive Parenting Method™, Rachel helps parents support their children with empathy and confidence. We sat down with Rachel to learn more about her approach and the inspiration behind her work.
Q: Rachel, thank you for joining us. Can you start by sharing a bit about your background and what inspired you to create the Positive Parenting Method™?
Rachel: I’ve been working as a therapist for over 20 years, and throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting children and families from all walks of life. What really shaped my path was my personal experience growing up in the Midwest as the daughter of a gay man. From a young age, I saw how isolating it can be to feel different, both for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community and their families.
Years later, as a parent myself, my child came out as nonbinary, and everything I thought I knew about gender identity became much more personal. It wasn’t just about professional expertise anymore—it was about my own family. Drawing on the needs of my clients and my own lived experiences, I designed the Positive Parenting Method™ to empower parents to support their gender-expansive children in a loving and affirming way.
Q: That’s a powerful story. How does the Positive Parenting Method™ help parents who might feel anxious or unsure about their child’s gender identity?
Rachel: The Positive Parenting Method™ is all about shifting parents from a place of anxiety to one of empowerment. I’ve worked with hundreds of families over the years, and what I’ve seen is that most parents start off feeling overwhelmed. They love their kids but aren’t always sure how to navigate the emotional and societal challenges that come with raising a gender-expansive child.
My method provides practical tools and strategies that help parents feel more secure in their relationships with their children. It’s about fostering open communication, understanding your child’s needs, and creating a supportive home environment where they can thrive as their most authentic selves.
Q: What sets your approach apart from others in the field of parenting and gender diversity?
Rachel: One of the things that makes my approach unique is that I’ve lived in two worlds—I’ve been both a clinician and a parent on this journey. My own experience raising a nonbinary child has given me a personal perspective that many other experts may not have. I’ve also spent the past year meeting families across the U.S. and conducting interviews to better understand their real-life experiences.
I believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for healing and connection. Through my work, I aim to help parents not only support their children but also feel supported themselves. Raising any child is a journey, and it’s important for parents to feel confident and supported in order to create a positive family environment.
Q: How do you see your work evolving, and what’s next for you and your business?
Rachel: I’m really excited about the future. Right now, I’m working on a book that will share the stories of parents raising trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive children. These stories highlight both the challenges and the triumphs that families experience, and I think it will help broaden the understanding of what it means to raise a child who doesn’t fit into traditional gender norms.
I’ve also just introduced a free resource guide on my website for parents, which offers practical advice for navigating the early stages of a child’s gender journey. It’s a tool that I hope will help parents feel less alone and more equipped to support their kids right from the start.
Q: Can you share a bit about the response you’ve seen from families who have used your Positive Parenting Method™?
Rachel: The feedback has been incredibly positive. Parents often tell me that before working with me, they felt lost or unsure about how to best support their child. After implementing the Positive Parenting Method™, they’ve seen real changes in their relationships with their kids—less tension, more open communication, and a deeper understanding of their child’s identity. One parent told me that for the first time, they feel like they’re raising their child with confidence rather than fear.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see these transformations happen. When parents feel empowered, their children thrive, and that’s what my work is all about.
Q: You’ve mentioned your upcoming book and resource guide—what other projects or initiatives do you have in the works?
Rachel: In addition to the book, I’m continuing to expand my speaking engagements and workshops. I love connecting with parents, educators, and other professionals who want to learn more about gender diversity and how to create supportive environments for kids. I recently partnered with author Lindsey Wilson on a Pride event to celebrate her children’s book, You Be You. I’ll Be Me., which highlights the importance of embracing authenticity.
I’m also planning more events and resources for parents who want to continue learning about how to raise confident, authentic kids in today’s world. The work I do is always evolving, and I’m excited to see where it leads next.
For more information on Rachel Hulstein-Lowe and her Positive Parenting Method™, visit www.rachelhlowe.com or follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Published by: Josh Tatunay
