Introductory Guide for Parents and Caregivers
When publicly identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, someone is inviting people into a part of their life, which should be protected and celebrated.
-Human Rights Campaign
Are you parenting an LGBTQ+ youth? Did a youth just come out to you? Are you a friend or family member to an LGBTQ+ Youth? Are you feeling overwhelmed?
Family Pride Initiative is here to help guide each individual with their own personal needs. We are a judgment free zone and seek to help all parents and caregivers move towards more affirming practices. Family Pride Initiative is a caring place to support and affirm LGBTQ+ youth and their mental health. Browse our content on this page to determine where your comfort level is currently. Our staff is available Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm to assist with any questions you may have.
Introductory Material
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Best Practices when someone comes out
-Gratitude: Show appreciation for your youth sharing their sexual orientation or gender identity with you. Believe them when they say what their sexual orientation or gender identity is.
-Affirmation: Tell your youth that you love them and continue to support them as you would have before they came out.
-Support: Ask them if there's anything they need to feel supported.
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Start Affirming Practices to Start Now
-Support their gender expression. This means letting your youth have access to the clothing, makeup, and accessories that they want to wear.
-Educate yourself about your child’s sexual orientation and gender identity.
-Require other family members to respect them.
-Believe your child can be a happy adult.
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Learn about our workshop on affirmative parenting practices.
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Use the name and pronoun that matches their identity.
Transgender and nonbinary young people reported lower rates of attempting suicide when all of the people they live with respected their pronouns. Trevor Project, 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People.
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Resources
Resources are important for any questions you may have or information you are interested in. Our website has a comprehensive resource library to help suit how you learn best. They are separated by location and then we have a media page which directs you to social media, books, and movies.
These items are a great starting point to start showing up for your youth. These items have been shown to increase LGBTQ+ Youth's mental health and reduce risks of suicidality.
I'm looking to speak with someone one on one
Our staff is here to discuss options and next steps. Are you looking for something and haven't found it yet? Are you wanting a mental health referral? Do you want to know more about our workshops and their benefits? Do you not know what to do next? Fill out our contact form and our staff will reach out to you within 48 hours. You can also use the message function in the bottom right hand corner.
I'm ready to take a workshop!
Family Pride Initiative offers Pride Circle for youth ages 12-24 to reduce risks associated with mental health.
Family Pride Initiative offers AFFIRM Caregiver to biological and adoptive parents, kinship/family members of origin, chosen family, foster/resource parents, and all other people who parent and support LGBTQ+ young people. This workshop enhances affirming parenting practices.