Advice for Parents
Your child may have just come out to you as LGBTQ+ and you're looking at how best to support them. Here we answer questions, queries and break things down to help encourage understanding.
The best support system is a supportive family and a supportive home environment for your child to express themselves comfortably.
First of all,
Coming out isn't easy!
Coming out isn't usually a spur-of-the-moment thing. A person usually spends a long time thinking about how to come out to loved ones and prepare themselves emotionally and mentally for any reactions they may receive. Coming out requires a lot of bravery that should be commended!
It is not a phase!
Being LGBTQ+ isn't a phase. Identities and genders can change with time as a person spends more time discovering who they are. Encourage the person to be who they are and let them know that they are supported no matter what!
It's okay to feel worried!
It's okay to feel worried about your child when they come out to you. It's not uncommon to feel this way. As parents, your instinct is to protect your child and sadly, being LGBTQ+ can come with bullying such as homophobia in environments. There are many support groups for parents of LGBTQ+ youth that can help with your worries!
It's okay to feel lost!
It's okay to feel a bit lost with your child being LGBTQ+, It's okay to need advice on what you can do to help your child to feel comfortable. This is where this page comes in. We are here to help!
Resources for Parents
Coming Out Stories
Sometimes, reading other parents experiences can be extremely helpful in supporting your own child and putting your feelings at ease.
Here are some coming out stories written by parents of LGBTQ+ Children.
How to support your child after coming out
How to support your child after coming out
How to support your child after coming out
"I'm glad my child came out."
How to support your child after coming out
How to support your child after coming out
"My child came out at 16. Here’s what I want other parents to know"
"My child came out at 16. Here’s what I want other parents to know"
"My child came out at 16. Here’s what I want other parents to know"
"When my son came out"
"My child came out at 16. Here’s what I want other parents to know"
"My child came out at 16. Here’s what I want other parents to know"
Parent Support
Parent support is extremely important. Having a support group yourself to voice concerns and ask questions is extremely helpful for your understanding.
Speaking to other parents can also be incredibly helpful for your mental health. Having your child come out to you may be a surprise and you may feel a little alone during this time due to it being a completely new experience for you.
Here are some links to some organisations and what they specialise in, please reach out to any that you feel are applicable for you! They are here to help.
FFLAG
Free2B
Free2B
FFLAG is a national voluntary organisation and charity that is dedicated to supporting parents, families, and their LGBT+ members.
They offer support to local parents to help parents and families understand, accept, and support their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and non-binary members with open arms. FFLAG volunteers are parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or non-binary children who use their personal experiences to bring support to those needing it
Free2B
Free2B
Free2B
Free2B is a London-based community organisation that offers support for young LGBTQ+ people and their parents. They provide 1:1 and group services in schools and communities and offer LGBTQ+ awareness training to schools and organisations to promote inclusivity.
Mermaids UK
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence
Mermaids UK is one of the UK's leading trans-focused charities for Transgender children and young people as well as their families. Mermaids is committed to improving awareness, and understanding, providing families and young people with the resources they need to navigate education and health services available to them.
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence
Gendered Intelligence offers support to young people, families, parents, and carers who wish to be more inclusive of trans, non-binary, and gender-questioning people or family members. They offer both in-person and online support and also run events and residential trips throughout the year.