{"id":22285,"date":"2023-06-08T14:40:45","date_gmt":"2023-06-08T14:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/?p=22285"},"modified":"2023-06-27T15:16:26","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T15:16:26","slug":"support-lgbtqia-youth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/support-lgbtqia-youth\/","title":{"rendered":"An Inclusive Guide for Caregivers of LGBTQIA+ Youth"},"content":{"rendered":"

Is my child LGBTQIA+? Here\u2019s how to support them with gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation<\/p>

Author Jen Bell | Reviewed by Mason Dunn<\/em><\/p>

Gender and sexuality is deeply personal, and this spectrum might seem hard to define (and that\u2019s okay). It\u2019s not uncommon for many young people to feel confused or unsure about their gender or sexuality for a time, and it can be hard for them to open up and talk about their feelings, or even to find words for them. <\/p>

It\u2019s estimated that 4.5% of people in the U.S. are LGBTQ+ \u2014 that\u2019s more than 14 million people! And, that\u2019s not all, kids and teens who are neurodivergent can be more likely to also identify as LGBTQ+. <\/p>

Neurodivergent individuals are 3-6 times more likely to also be LGBTQ+. <\/strong>Research currently shows that neurodivergent people<\/a>, particularly those on the autism spectrum, are more likely to be gender diverse and have a lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or asexual sexual orientation, compared to neurotypical people.<\/strong> While research can not yet tell us definitively why, it may be because people who are neurodivergent may feel less pressure to fit into social pressures and expectations. Others may report even more fear of disclosing, due to concerns around potential discrimination and isolation.<\/p>

Supporting Your Child With Their Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation<\/h2>

So, what can you do to support a LGBTQ+ child or teen? First, try not to make assumptions about who your young person is or who they are becoming \u2014 including their gender and sexuality, even if you feel they are \u201cshowing signs\u201d or \u201cdropping hints.\u201d<\/p>

Despite gender stereotypes, masculine and feminine traits do not necessarily predict whether someone is straight, gay, transgender, or cisgender.<\/p>

Some young people may experiment with same-gender sexual experiences as they explore their own sexuality, but these experiences do not necessarily mean that a person is gay or bisexual. For many teens, these experiences are simply part of the process of sorting through their emerging sexuality. Scroll on to learn how to support your LGBTQ+ child, and get the intel that\u2019ll help you navigate situations and conversations as they crop up with compassion, ease, and care.<\/p>

How to Support LGBTQ+ Youth<\/h2>

In order to increase the comfort level of your young person to come out to you as LGBTQ+, you will need to create a loving and supportive environment where they feel safe to tell you. Here\u2019s how: <\/p>

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Do Your Research<\/h3>

Get the facts about sexuality, gender, and the LGBTQIA+ community. Learn and use the correct terms for body parts and functions and think through your own feelings and values about gender, love, and sex. <\/p>

A person\u2019s sexual and romantic orientation is different from their gender identity. Put simply, your gender identity is about who you are, and your orientation is about who you are attracted to and fall in love with.<\/p>

To learn more you can read through the BLOOM website, take a look at our recommended TV shows, films, and books, and reach out to support groups and organizations in your area. <\/p>

LGBTQIA+ Film & TV<\/h3>

Film and television narratives can be like a mirror or a window for many LGBTQ+ young people. These stories can be a reflection on the experiences they are navigating in their daily life (like a mirror), or a window<\/a> for new views and perspectives.<\/p>

The Family Acceptance Project has created a series of powerful, short award-winning documentary films<\/a> that show how ethnically and religiously diverse families learn to support and accept their lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children. <\/p>

We’ve Been Around<\/a> is a series of short films celebrating the lives of just a few transgender pioneers throughout history.<\/p>

The Trans List<\/em><\/a> is a 2016 documentary film by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders for HBO, which shines a light on eleven prominent transgender Americans.<\/p>

The Netflix documentary Disclosure<\/em><\/a> shines a spotlight on leading trans creatives and thinkers, and their perspectives and analysis about Hollywood’s impact on the trans community.<\/p>

We also recommend <\/em>PFLAG\u2019s recommended viewing for parents of transgender youth<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>

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LGBTQIA+ Support Groups<\/h3>

In order to thrive \u2014 as a teen or an adult \u2014 reliable support is essential. Beyond creating a safe and open container to explore ideas and feelings at home, support groups can offer safe haven and community connection for kids and teens with their peers. A support group is also a way your teen can support their friends and family as well.<\/p>

Trans Families<\/a> provides online support groups, resource directories, and educational resources for parents of transgender children<\/p>

PFLAG<\/a> is one of the oldest organizations in the US that supports the families, friends and allies of LGBTQ+ people. They have local chapters across the country, including groups specifically for families with transgender children.<\/p>

The Trans Youth Equality Foundation<\/a> provides education, advocacy and support for transgender and gender non-conforming children and youth and their families to help foster a healthy, caring, and safe environment for all transgender children.<\/p>

Key things to know: <\/strong><\/p>