When a child comes out as LGBTQ+, understanding that this revelation may elicit a range of emotions in you is key. It’s natural for parents to experience a mix of feelings, from surprise, sadness, and confusion to worry about the challenges their child may face.
Coming out is often a courageous step that evokes fear and anxiety in your child. It’s essential to recognize and honor the trust your child has placed in you by sharing this news. It’s crucial to approach your child’s emotions with empathy and support, regardless of whether you believe it may be a trend or phase. To your child, they are feeling what is their truth for the stage of development they are in.
This is new news to you, and it may be too hard to accept at this time. By using an empathetic lens, it can help you understand that your child came to you about what they are feeling about themselves and to share their own thoughts and hardships of this journey. As parents, we want our children to come to us without fear. If they believe we can be there for them in a safe and nurturing way, they will continue to do so throughout their lives.
Initiate open and honest conversations with your child.
Encourage them to share their experiences, feelings, and any concerns they may have. By fostering a safe and communicative environment, you provide crucial emotional support. Understanding LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and challenges is an ongoing and evolving process. Take the time to educate yourself; you may be surprised by all of the resources available to you and your family. This knowledge will not only foster understanding but also help you better support your child.
Connect with others
Being part of a community that understands and embraces LGBTQ+ experiences can be invaluable. Seek out local or online support groups for both parents and adolescents. Connecting with others who have walked a similar path can provide comfort and guidance. Therapy can be beneficial to both parent and their child to process their feelings and receive support from a mental health practitioner experienced in LGBTQ+ to navigate this new family dynamic within the family.
Celebrate the uniqueness of your child
Remember, the foundation of any healthy parent-child relationship is love. Celebrate the uniqueness of your child and let them know that your love is unwavering. Embrace this opportunity for growth and understanding, both individually and as a family. Supporting a child who identifies as LGBTQ+ is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and a commitment to ongoing learning. As therapists, we stand alongside you in fostering environments of acceptance, love, and support for all adolescents.
Wishing you strength, empathy, and connection on this journey
For more support, we recommend checking out the following websites:
https://www.thetrevorproject.org
Christina Cortes, LCSW, sees clients out of Centennial Counseling Center’s Yorkville office.
