In Drosophila, maternally deposited piRNAs typically initiate piRNA biogenesis in offspring—but Y-linked loci, absent in eggs, pose a challenge. A new publication from the lab shows that Y-linked Su(Ste) piRNAs are generated in early male germ cells through phased biogenesis, initiated by maternal 1360/Hoppel transposon piRNAs. Remarkably, mothers with a Y chromosome (XXY) can directly transmit Su(Ste) piRNAs, bypassing this process. The findings reveal how maternal piRNAs can indirectly initiate Y-linked silencing, ensuring transgenerational genome protection.