Clinic at Hasbro Children's Hospital addresses pediatric gender and sexual health

The topic of gender diversity is at the center of heated debate lately.

Some school districts have banned books about it, and some states have passed laws that target transgender kids.

Experts say it's taking a toll on the young people behind the labels.

"We're seeing more and more kids showing up in our clinic talking about this sort of fear that these bills are out there," said Dr. Jason Rafferty, who runs the Pediatric Gender and Sexual Health program at Hasbro Children's Hospital.

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Anti-transgender legislation is popping up in a number of states across the country at a time when the suicide rate among this population is already high.

"The rates are alarming. I know the lifetime suicide risk is, among the transgender population, is like 40% compared to .4% among the U.S population," said Rafferty. "What we try to really do is sort of provide support in a way that's very sort of family friendly, pediatric-centered, you know understanding that often adolescents are in the midst of trying to sort of confront some of these difficult challenges."

Rafferty authored the first-ever policy statement for the American Academy of Pediatrics, four years ago, promoting comprehensive care and support for our transgender and gender diverse children.

"I think the reality is we need to sort of be able to reassure these kids that who they feel like they are really matters," said Rafferty.

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And while, he said, parents can, and should, provide support -- primary care providers should be involved, too.

"I think that as a child is growing older, it's an important conversation on how they feel about their body, about changes that are going to come through puberty, about labels they may be sort of -- whether it be experimenting with, or later sort of applying to themselves," said Rafferty, who said social networks might be problematic, but they can also provide a safe space.

"What I really think is happening, is through networking online, there's more safety and exposure to sort of allow people to be themselves," said Rafferty.

To parents, Rafferty said having that conversation with your child and affirming what and how they're feeling is crucial, and in some cases, lifesaving.