How To Support LGBTQ Teens Coming Out
The LGBTQ movement has made some landmark strides in the past decade. The “Don’t Ask – Don’t Tell” policy was repealed, health insurance discrimination has been prevented, and same-sex marriage has been legalized nationwide. This, in combination with greater awareness and visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in society and the media, has helped LGBTQ teens find the courage to come out to their families and friends.
Though it is easier for teens to come out today than in generations past, that does not mean they do not need support, and plenty of it. Here are a few important ways you can support LGBTQ teens in coming out:
1. Encourage Your Teen to be Themself
There are different levels of coming out. Some teenagers may find the courage to say the words, yet still have a hard time fully expressing themselves. If left unchecked, this muted self-expression can lead to anxiety and depression down the road. Try to find ways to let young people in your life know they can be 100% authentic around you. When your teen feels safe to express their true self without filtering out certain parts of their life due to fear of judgment, their overall mental health will be better.
2. Help Your Teen Identify & Create Safe Spaces
Take a look around your local community to see if there are safe spaces for LGBTQ youth. If not, what can you do to change that? You might want to consider contacting school board officials and encourage them to adopt inclusive policies. Another way to ensure your community is safe for LGBTQ teens is to not tolerate hate speech. There are also many resources online that offer the best practices in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ youth.
3. Advocate and Join the Fight for LGBTQ+ Equality
Though the LGBTQ movement has come a long way, there is still much that needs to be done to ensure full LGBTQ equality. You can join the fight and stay up-to-date on local, state and federal advocacy. Your teen will see your advocating as a sign of deep acceptance and support.
Support through counseling in Missouri
If you know an LGBTQ teen who needs some extra support and encouragement while coming out, you might suggest they speak with a professional counselor. While as a society we’ve certainly made some progress in meeting the needs of LGBTQ+ community, the truth is that things aren’t equal yet. Furthermore, the process of coming out itself is still scary for many teenagers and some will have an easier time than others. A skilled therapist can help the teen find their voice and use coping strategies to navigate challenges as they come up. At Aspire Counseling, we have multiple therapists with a strong interest in this area who currently have openings to see youth who live in Missouri. We offer in person counseling to those who live in the Mid Missouri area or online counseling for LGBTQ+ youth anywhere in Missouri. If you’d like to talk about how counseling may be able to provide your teen with the extra support they need to live authentically, please call (573-328-2288) or e-mail us today.
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Discussing Gender Identity with Your Child