\u201cComing out\u201d may be one of the hardest \u2013 and bravest \u2013 things a child may ever do. Coming out refers to sharing their experience of being LGBTQIA+, which can mean any of the following:<\/p>\n
To have the courage and integrity to live in the truth of who they are is something to be honored. And to be able to do so at a young age is something worth celebrating!<\/p>\n
It can be hard for some parents to accept the news that their child isn\u2019t exactly who they thought they were. It can be painful for some parents to let go of certain dreams they had imagined. But our children are growing and evolving in many different areas of their lives. To be a loving parent is to be there to grow with your child, and to embrace them with a fuller understanding of who they are. It\u2019s okay for your vision of your child to change, and it\u2019s also okay for you to struggle with it at first.<\/p>\n
If your child comes out to you, you might feel concerned or confused. You might wonder or question what the best way is to respond, or how you can best support your child.<\/p>\n
The most important thing for a child coming out is to know that they will always have the love and support of their people, family, and parent\/s. If your child has decided to be open about who they are in a world that may not always support them, help them feel supported with a strong foundation of acceptance from their home base. Even if you don\u2019t quite understand it all yet, try to learn more by asking questions, listening, and respecting their answers.<\/p>\n
Some families ostracize, reject, and even disown a child when they come out. If you react to your child\u2019s revelation with disdain, negativity, or a lack of acceptance, the results can be devastating. A child may think, \u201cmaybe they only loved who they thought I was \u2013 not who I really am.\u201d<\/p>\n
A parent\u2019s rejection can permanently damage a child\u2019s self-esteem and mental health. Research has shown it can lead to increased rates of depression<\/a> and suicide, thoughts about suicide, and substance abuse problems. Supporting and accepting your child can help them thrive. Our goal should be to support our kids so they can live their most authentic lives \u2013 knowing that their family loves them as they are.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re having a hard time talking with your child about their gender identity, sexuality, or anything they may be experiencing, don\u2019t hesitate to talk with their pediatrician. If you have trouble processing the changes your child is going through, or the changes expected of you as a parent now that your child has come out, consider seeking guidance and support from a therapist or professional.<\/p>\n And most importantly, reassure your\u202fchild you love them and accept them just as they are.<\/p>\n\n Resources For Parents<\/strong><\/p>\n My Doctor Online<\/strong><\/p>\n LGBTQIA+ Health<\/a><\/p>\n Helplines for People Who Are or May Be LGBTQ<\/a><\/p>\n PFLAG<\/a><\/p>\n The Trevor Project<\/p>\nHere are some simple yet powerful things you can do to let your LGBTQIA+ child know you love and value them:<\/h2>\n
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