6 Ways to Support LGBTQ+ Youth for Pride Month (and Beyond)
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June 1 marks the beginning of Pride Month, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that includes parades, festivals, and other community-building events. Pride Month acknowledges the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community as well as their struggles throughout history for equal rights and opportunities.
Pride Month gives parents and caregivers a chance to discuss LGBTQ+ issues with kids in an age- and stage-appropriate way, to celebrate your own household if you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, to show support for the community, and to establish yourself as an ally, especially if you care for a child who identifies as LGBTQ+. Here are some ways to support LGBTQ+ youth during Pride Month and beyond.
Pride month events are joyful celebrations of the community, and there are often plenty of family-friendly opportunities to engage with throughout the month. For example, in our community, there are Pride Month Maker's Markets and a celebration at our local botanical garden. Research events in advance to make sure they are truly family-friendly, and then make a plan to attend and support those events with your family. No matter how your own family is structured, showing support for LGBTQ+ folks models acceptance and inclusion to your kids.
If your child or their friends use chosen pronouns or a name that was not assigned to them at birth, make an effort to accept that as part of their identity, and use their preferred pronouns and names as much as possible. Be honest with your child if this is challenging for you, and let them know that, even if you don't always get it right, you are trying to do your best.
If you care for a child who is LGBTQ+, educate yourself and them about LGBTQ+ history in a safe, age-appropriate way. Share with your children the many diverse family structures and gender identities that exist and affirm that they are all valid. Visit your local library to find books on specific subjects related to LGBTQ+ history (examples include Stonewall: A Building, an Uprising, a Revolution and Rainbow Revolutionaries: 50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History. And if you're an educator, check out GLSEN for more resources.
LGBTQ+ youth face a lot of challenges, and it's important to make sure they find supportive environments for asking questions, sharing their feelings, and connecting with friends and allies. Look for organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth, and facilitate your child attending meetups and support groups. In addition to local groups, national organizations like The Trevor Project, The LGBT National Help Center, and Trans Lifeline offer support for folks across the country. Find therapists and mental health providers who can support your child with ongoing therapy as needed to help them develop tools to navigate the world around them.
Supporting LGBTQ+ youth means standing up for their rights, not just during Pride Month, but year-round. Practice affirming, non-discriminating behavior, challenge stereotypes, and stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community in your daily actions and political activities to show that you are fully committed and invested. Find organizations that are already doing this work, either in your own community or nationally, and support them by donating your time and, if possible, making financial contributions.
People all want the same basic things — to be heard, seen, and loved — and this is especially important for kids. Devote specific, quality time to listening to your children, no matter where they are on their gender and sexuality journey. Create safe, private time in which they can ask you about anything, and make an effort to answer honestly. If you don't know the answer to a question, show them how to do the research to educate themselves. Ask them questions to better understand their perspective, and be an active listener. Let them know that you are learning and growing, just like they are, and most importantly, express to them that you love them for who they are, unconditionally.
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