Family support and acceptance means actively affirming a child’s identity to build their self-worth and self-esteem. This can be something as simple as telling your child that you love and support them no matter how they identify.
The stigma and discrimination often experienced by LGBTQ+ youth increase their risk for substance use and addiction. You can protect your child by affirming their identity, encouraging healthy behaviors and responding effectively to signs of use.
If your child needs help for a substance use disorder or addiction, it’s important to consider their specific needs as an LGBTQ+ person.
Learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, and how to be a stronger ally for your child.
Produced in collaboration with the Human Rights Campaign, this issue brief helps parents and educators understand the challenges faced by LGBTQ youth that contribute to heightened rates of substance abuse. Read More
Lack of support and bullying by other patients are among reasons that LGBTQ people are more likely to quit treatment early. Learn how to choose an identity-affirming treatment program. Read More
The stigma and discrimination often experienced by LGBTQ+ youth increase their risk for substance use and addiction. The following organizations are a great place to begin connecting with the LGBTQ+ community and discovering how to become a stronger ally for your child. Read More
Produced in collaboration with the Human Rights Campaign, this issue brief helps parents and educators understand the challenges faced by LGBTQ youth that contribute to heightened rates of substance abuse. Read More
Lack of support and bullying by other patients are among reasons that LGBTQ people are more likely to quit treatment early. Learn how to choose an identity-affirming treatment program. Read More
The stigma and discrimination often experienced by LGBTQ+ youth increase their risk for substance use and addiction. The following organizations are a great place to begin connecting with the LGBTQ+ community and discovering how to become a stronger ally for your child. Read More
Connect with the LGBTQ+ community and begin discovering how to become a stronger ally for your child.
Uses a research-based, culturally grounded approach to help ethnically, racially and religiously diverse families learn to support their LGBTQ children.
Offers educational resources for parents through the Trevor Support Center, where individuals can find answers to frequently asked questions and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more.
PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization with more than 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters across America.
Uses a research-based, culturally grounded approach to help ethnically, racially and religiously diverse families learn to support their LGBTQ children.
Offers educational resources for parents through the Trevor Support Center, where individuals can find answers to frequently asked questions and explore resources related to sexual orientation, gender identity and more.
PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization with more than 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters across America.
The Family Acceptance Project, a leading non-profit supporting LGBTQ+ people, offers research-backed examples of how to affirm your child.
when your child tells you, or you learn that they are gay or transgender.
Ask your child about their LGBTQ+ identity even though you may feel uncomfortable.
if they are mistreated because of their identity. Require that others respect your LGBTQ+ child.
to your home.
with an LGBTQ+ adult role model and to supportive organizations or events.
and help your faith community to support LGBTQ+ people.
as an LGBTQ+ adult.
This doesn’t mean that you have to hide your feelings as your child will know if you aren’t being honest. You can share your concerns if any and let them know that you love them. In families where acceptance is high, the majority of LGBTQ+ youth believe that they can have a happy, rewarding life as adults.
