LGBTQIA+ Support for Families

Supporting your LGBTQIA+ child with love, understanding, and evidence-based resources. Every child deserves to be celebrated for who they are.

Love is Love

Your unconditional love and acceptance are the most powerful tools for your child's wellbeing.

You're Not Alone

Millions of families navigate this journey. Support, resources, and community are available.

Safety First

Creating safe, affirming environments helps LGBTQIA+ youth thrive and reduces mental health risks.

Understanding LGBTQIA+ Identities

Sexual orientation and gender identity are natural aspects of human diversity. Understanding these concepts helps you better support your child.

Sexual Orientation
Who someone is romantically or sexually attracted to

Common Orientations:

  • Lesbian: Women attracted to women
  • Gay: Men attracted to men (sometimes used broadly)
  • Bisexual: Attracted to more than one gender
  • Pansexual: Attracted to people regardless of gender
  • Asexual: Little to no sexual attraction
  • Questioning: Exploring or unsure of orientation
Gender Identity
One's internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither

Common Identities:

  • Transgender: Gender differs from assigned sex at birth
  • Non-binary: Gender outside the male/female binary
  • Genderfluid: Gender changes over time
  • Agender: No gender identity
  • Two-Spirit: Indigenous concept of dual gender roles
  • Questioning: Exploring gender identity
Common Myths vs. Facts

❌ Myths

  • "It's just a phase" - Identity exploration is normal, but dismissing it can be harmful
  • "Parents cause this" - Sexual orientation and gender identity are not caused by parenting
  • "It can be changed" - Conversion therapy is harmful and ineffective
  • "They're too young to know" - Children often have early awareness of their identity

✅ Facts

  • LGBTQIA+ identities are natural variations of human sexuality and gender
  • Acceptance and support dramatically improve mental health outcomes
  • Many children show consistent identity patterns from an early age
  • Professional support can help families navigate this journey successfully
Identity Development Timeline
Understanding when and how LGBTQIA+ identities typically emerge

Early Childhood (Ages 3-6)

Some children express gender non-conforming behaviors or preferences. This is normal exploration and doesn't necessarily predict future identity.

Middle Childhood (Ages 7-11)

Children may begin to have clearer sense of gender identity. Some may express feeling different from peers or question social expectations.

Adolescence (Ages 12-18)

Sexual orientation often becomes clearer during puberty. This is when many youth begin to understand and label their identity, though some know earlier or later.

Young Adulthood (Ages 18+)

Continued identity exploration and refinement. Some people don't fully understand their identity until adulthood, and that's completely normal.

You're Not Alone in This Journey

Supporting an LGBTQIA+ child can feel overwhelming, but remember: your love and acceptance are the most powerful tools for their wellbeing. Professional support and community resources are here to help you both thrive.

Get Personalized SupportFind LGBTQIA+-Affirming Therapists

Remember: If you or your child are in immediate crisis, call 988 (Suicide Prevention Lifeline) or 1-866-488-7386 (Trevor Lifeline) right away.