How to Support LGBTQ+ Youth: What Parents, Educators, and Caregivers Can Do

Now more than ever, young people need support from the adults in their lives to help them navigate the changing landscape for LGBTQIA+ communities.

LGBTQIA+ youth experience higher rates of mental health concerns and suicidal thoughts and attempts. However, when they have support from teachers, caregivers, and parents, the rates of suicide can dramatically decrease.

Adult support is a strong protective factor for young people and can be a valuable tool for improving mental health outcomes.

Understanding Minority Stress

Minority stress is a common experience faced by people who belong to a minority group. It can result in chronic psychological stress and may even impact physical health.

For LGBTQIA+ youth, factors that contribute to minority stress can include:

• Bullying

• Rejection

• Discrimination

• Isolation

• Shame

It can be difficult to learn that a young person you love is experiencing these challenges. However, there are meaningful things you can do to become a supportive adult in their life.

Steps You Can Take to Support LGBTQ+ Youth

1. Create a Foundation of Acceptance and Belonging

This is an important first step because LGBTQIA+ youth need to know that they are loved, valued, and accepted by the adults in their lives.

• Communicate your love and support clearly and often.

• Avoid assuming that young people already know you support them. Say it out loud.

• Move beyond simply “tolerating” their identities and celebrate who they are.

2. Stay Curious and Connected

You may not fully understand what a young person is going through, but keeping an open and curious mind can help them feel heard and supported.

• Ask open-ended questions about their experiences. This creates room for conversation and allows them to open up at their own pace.

• Listen without interrupting or immediately trying to solve the problem.

• Check in about school, friendships, social media, and community experiences.

• Pay attention to both positive and negative experiences they may be having in different environments.

3. Affirm Their Identity

Even small acts of affirmation can help a young person feel safe, protected, and seen.

• Use their correct name and pronouns.

• If you make a mistake, correct yourself without dwelling on it. It takes time to get it right, and they will appreciate that you are making an effort.

• Respect their privacy and avoid sharing their identity with others unless they explicitly ask you to.

4. Create Visible Signs of Safety

Being direct about your support of LGBTQIA+ people can be more effective than assuming a young person already knows how you feel.

Clear expressions of support take away the guesswork and allow young people to feel safer without having to ask whether they are accepted.

Ways to Create an Inclusive Environment

• Display clear signs of inclusion, such as a Pride flag pin or small Pride magnet.

• Use inclusive language. For example, ask about pronouns rather than making assumptions, and use neutral language when addressing groups.

• Create clear expectations around bullying and respect. This can be especially important in classrooms, where students need to know that bullying will be taken seriously.

• Talk positively about LGBTQIA+ people. This can help create positive narratives and support a young person’s self-esteem.

• If you are an educator, include LGBTQIA+ people and experiences in your curriculum. These stories are often left out, and including them can help create a more inclusive and representative learning environment for all students.

When You Might Need Additional Support

There may be a point when you notice that your child or another young person in your care is struggling and you need additional support.

This is a common experience, and it is important to have grace with yourself as you navigate these moments.

Depression

If your child is showing signs of depression, such as losing interest in activities they once enjoyed, feelings of hopelessness, persistent sadness, or feelings of worthlessness, you may want to consider seeking professional support.

These can be indicators that mental health treatment could be beneficial, particularly when symptoms continue or begin affecting school, family relationships, or friendships.

Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety may include:

• Hypervigilance

• Constant worrying

• Nervousness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Panic attacks

• Avoiding school or social situations

• Irritability

Anxiety can feel overwhelming for young people and can appear both emotionally and physically.

If you notice these symptoms occurring repeatedly and beginning to affect daily functioning, additional professional support may be helpful.

Suicidal Thoughts

It can be frightening to think about your child experiencing suicidal thoughts, but it is an important topic to discuss openly.

This can be an ongoing conversation that you return to over time, creating space for honesty and openness.

When talking with your child about suicidal thoughts, be direct and use simple, clear language rather than avoiding the topic. It is also important to remain calm and listen without judgment, even if they tell you they have been experiencing suicidal thoughts.

If your child discloses suicidal thoughts, seek professional help as soon as possible. This may include contacting a mental health professional, therapist, social worker, or school counselor.

If you believe your child is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone. Seek emergency support immediately by contacting your local emergency services or taking them to the nearest emergency department.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ youth to explore their emotions and experiences with a trained mental health professional.

Therapy can also help young people:

• Develop healthy coping skills

• Better understand their emotions

• Manage symptoms of anxiety or depression

• Build self-esteem and confidence

• Navigate relationships and social experiences

• Develop strategies for managing stress

Conclusion

Although LGBTQIA+ youth can experience challenges related to societal discrimination, adults can play an important role in helping them feel safe, supported, and accepted.

Through consistent affirmation, curiosity, and intentional acceptance, you can become an important part of a young person’s support system.

Creating an environment where young people feel comfortable being authentic can help them develop confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of belonging.

You may not have all the answers, and you don’t need to.

What matters is showing up consistently with a willingness to listen, learn, and support them in all of who they are.