How to support LGBTQ teens

Supporting teens is an important topic we should talk about. Teens often don’t ask for help or advice and they need a lot of help when it comes to expressing themselves. 

First, parents can make them comfortable around you by asking them what their teens like, their favorite music, favorite food they like, what games they enjoy to play, favorite shows they like to watch. Another thing is you can take them places so you can bond together so they can feel safe around you and talking with you.

Next, open communication is key to a strong family relationship. Also become familiar with LGBTQ teens so you can understand them a little better when talking with them. Another thing is to have an open mind and let them know you support them no matter what happens. Like in the article called “supporting teens with their sexuality” which states, “Your teen may not have talked to you, either because they don’t identify as LGBTQIA+ or because they’re not ready yet. If you live in an area with few openly gay or queer people, your child may feel they lack support, or fear that they’ll be talked about or even bullied.”

Something you should not do is make assumptions about them. Don’t tell them this is just a phase because this will affect them cause they wont have trust in you when they want to tell you something important and  don’t ignore them when they are talking to you. Another thing is don’t rush them when talking to you and don’t judge them.  

If you do everything then your teen might not be ready to tell you how they feel about themselves and how to express themselves but this is normal. Like in the article called “Supporting LGBTQ teens,” it states that ”If your child does come out to you, you may be searching for the right words to say. Instead, offer a few words and an expression of caring. This shows they are not ready so don’t rush them to do something they are not comfortable doing yet.”

So if you need more advice on how to express them you can click in these links and it will show you more options and different advice to tell them:

https://parents.au.reachout.com/skills-to-build/wellbeing/things-to-try-sexuality/supporting-teens-with-their-sexuality

https://parentandteen.com/support-lgbtq-teens/

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/tips-for-parents-of-lgbtq-youth

https://grownandflown.com/7-ways-support-your-bisexual-gay-teen/