Family Acceptance
If your family includes an LGBT youth, your support is extremely important. For parents, your love and affirmation for your child’s LGBT identity will lead to many beneficial outcomes and will protect them against negative outcomes. For example, recent studies have confirmed that family acceptance of LGBT identities leads to increased self-esteem, social support and mental health for LGBT youth. Furthermore, certain parental behaviors, such as standing up for your children or being open about their gender identity, can protect LGBT youth against depression, suicidal thoughts and attempts and substance abuse.
It may be hard to accept or understand that your child is coming out. However, there are resources to help you become comfortable and accepting of your child’s full identity. Research shows that their current well-being and future health outcomes depend on it.
To learn how you can best support your LGBT child, visit: