Tips for Supporting LGBT Children in Families

With increasing global awareness and acceptance of the LGBT population, more young people are coming out to their families and openly discussing their sexual orientation.

This may be a tough moment for both the young person coming to terms with their sexuality or gender identity and the family members who may struggle to accept the news.

As difficult as it may be to accept your child's LGBT status, it is necessary. By maturity, children whose parents disapprove of or reject their LGBT status are up to eight times as likely to try suicide.

Educate Yourself and Your Extended Family

There are numerous myths regarding what it means to be LGBT or to have a homosexual child. One of the most effective strategies to support your child and begin adjusting to this shift in your family dynamics is to educate yourself on gender and sexual identity.

It is critical that you demonstrate your support for your child by requiring that other family members respect and treat them with kindness. Make it clear that you and your children will never condone homophobic or bigoted attitudes.

Many parents believe that being gay or transgender is a phase that their child will outgrow and that sexual identity cannot be understood until adulthood.

This, however, is not true. Children frequently become aware of their sexual orientation at a young age, according to research. This is a fundamental aspect of their identity that will not be altered by external circumstances. In other words, individuals are born gay; they are not converted later in life. Around the age of ten, children develop their initial attraction to another person (same sex or not), and youngsters as early as two or three are aware of their own gender identity.

Contribute to Your Child's Identity

It is not always simple for parents to accept their child's "new" identity. This is especially true for parents of transgender children, as it can be a shock to discover that the child they raised identifies with a gender other than the one with which they were born.

Parents of children who are sexually attracted to members of the same sex may similarly struggle to accept this fact, particularly if it conflicts with the family's religious views or cultural heritage.

It's totally natural to be taken aback and even unhappy when your child first comes out to you. It is critical, however, to appreciate and support your child and to recognize that gender identity and sexuality are not a choice or a means of rebellion or harm.

The fact that your child has chosen to reveal their genuine identify indicates that they have confidence in you and are actively seeking your assistance.

Adolescence is a tough time for any child, but young individuals grappling with their sexuality or gender identity must process their own emotions while also contending with external influences from society.

Numerous young LGBT people experience confusion and isolation, which can result in sadness, anxiety, and other mental health problems. 33% of young Australians who identify as LGBT have self-harmed as a result of homophobia, and up to 50% of transgender persons have tried suicide as a result of homophobia.

While these statistics may appear scary, there is a solution to bring them down. Family support and acceptance can help lower the likelihood of LGBT adolescents developing mental health problems. By creating a supportive environment with open lines of communication, you can encourage your child to express their thoughts and resolve conflicts before they become more serious.

Assist Your Child in Making Connections with the Community and Resources

There are various LGBT support groups in Australia that can provide information, support, and connections to those going through similar experiences.

Individuals and families in the LGBT community may occasionally benefit from speaking with a professional counsellor to work through concerns of sexual identity and social pressures.

As it can be difficult for parents and children to discuss these matters freely, a neutral and supportive environment with someone to supervise the dialogue can assist both parties in working through their emotions and communicating successfully.