A GUIDE FOR PARENTS OF LGBTQ+ YOUTH IN 2025
We’ve seen an increase in parents, guardians, and caretakers asking how they can better support their LGBTQ+ youth. Your ability to show up for your child is invaluable and can make a world of difference. This guide is here to provide heartfelt, actionable ways to nurture your child’s well-being and confidence during these challenging times.
1. MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Mental health care is essential for LGBTQ+ youth, yet many face significant barriers to obtaining it—50% of LGBTQ+ young people who sought mental health support in the past year were unable to access it.
Parents play a vital role in finding affirming therapists who specialize in LGBTQ+ issues and provide support that validates and uplifts your child as they navigate their identity. Brave Trails now offers affordable individual and group therapy options for LGBTQ+ youth and their families in California— learn more.
Additionally, ensure your child has access to crisis resources like The Trevor Project 866-488-7386 and Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860. Having these lifelines readily available can offer comfort and reassurance in times of need.
2. COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Community has always been the backbone of LGBTQ+ resilience, providing safety, understanding, and strength in the face of adversity.
Community is not just comforting—it is essential for mental health and well-being. Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth with access to affirming environments experience significantly lower rates of suicide attempts, underscoring the critical role of connection and belonging.
Programs like Brave Trails continue this legacy, offering spaces like summer camp where LGBTQ+ youth can form meaningful relationships, build confidence, and discover the power of community. This gives young people a renewed sense of purpose and an enduring support system they can carry with them for years to come.
3. BREAK FOR SCREEN TIME
In today’s digital world, maintaining a healthy balance with screen time is essential for mental well-being. While social media can provide connection and valuable resources, it can also contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Encourage your child to take regular breaks from screens. Offering alternative activities, such as spending time outdoors, caring for a pet, trying a new hobby, or meeting up with friends in person, can provide them with meaningful ways to unwind.
These moments of creativity and real-world connection can help them recharge and find a sense of balance and grounding in the heaviness of things happening around them that is out of their control.
4. A MEANS OF EXPRESSION
Everyone needs outlets to process their emotions, and for LGBTQ+ youth, these outlets can be vital in navigating their experiences.
Encourage your child to explore creative forms of self-expression, such as art, music, theater, journaling, or dance. Experimenting with different forms of expression, free from the pressure of long-term commitments, can help them uncover passions and develop valuable coping tools.
At Brave Trails, campers engage in various activities to discover what resonates, providing a sense of relief and connection during challenging times. Supporting your child’s exploration of different means of expression can foster resilience, self-awareness, and joy.
5. LGBTQ+ EDUCATION
Learning about LGBTQ+ history is a powerful way for youth to see themselves as part of a resilient, vibrant, and enduring community. Introducing your child to the stories of trailblazers who fought for equality, visibility, and justice can instill a deep sense of pride and connection to their identity.
At Brave Trails, workshops and programming are designed to empower youth with this essential knowledge, fostering both inspiration and confidence. One of our most cherished spaces is the Hall of Elders, where campers learn about the remarkable contributions of LGBTQ+ activists, community organizers, and pioneers.
Continue this journey together by exploring local LGBTQ+ centers, historical archives, and educational events to celebrate and preserve these stories.
6. INTERSECTIONAL IDENTITIES
Recognizing and affirming the intersectional nature of your child's identity—which may encompass aspects such as race, culture, disability, or neurodiversity—is crucial for their holistic well-being. Embracing all these intersecting elements validates their full self and fosters a sense of belonging.
Encourage your child to connect with communities and individuals who share similar experiences, whether through local support groups, online forums, or storytelling platforms. These connections can provide profound validation and understanding, helping them navigate the unique challenges they may face.
Additionally, educating yourself on intersectionality and its impact on LGBTQ+ individuals can enhance your ability to support your kiddo.
7. AN AFFIRMING ENVIROMENT
A home that celebrates your child for who they are is a powerful foundation for confidence and self-worth. Small but meaningful actions—like using your child’s chosen name and pronouns—can have an immense impact. It’s okay if this feels new or challenging; practice makes progress, and your child is worth the effort.
In addition to this, having open and honest communication with your child about what is happening in the world is important. Actively listen to their experiences, fears, and joys. Acknowledge their emotions, validate their perspectives, and offer reassurance. This builds trust and demonstrates that you are not only mindful of their experiences but also standing alongside them as they navigate life’s challenges.
8. LEARNING ALONGSIDE THEM
When your child shares something new about their identity, listen attentively and express gratitude for their trust in opening up to you. It's natural to feel curious, but rather than relying solely on your child to educate you, explore additional ways to learn.
Take the initiative to deepen your understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences through books, podcasts, and reputable organizations. By educating yourself, you not only ease their burden but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding their world.
For added support and resources, consider connecting with local PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) chapters, which provide invaluable education and community for families and allies.
9. AN ADVOCATE
Every child benefits from having a trusted adult outside the home. Support your child in identifying someone like a mentor, teacher, coach, or therapist who can advocate for their safety and well-being. This confidant can be a crucial source of support, especially in environments that may not always feel accommodating.
Be proactive in helping your child access spaces that genuinely celebrate and affirm their identity. While symbols like a pride flag on a teacher's window can indicate a “safer” space, it’s important to dig deeper. Engage with school administrators and ask thoughtful questions to ensure your child will be supported and cared for in those settings.
IN CLOSING,
Supporting your LGBTQ+ child is a journey, and perfection isn’t required. Be patient with yourself as you learn and grow, and extend that same patience to your child. Thank you for your commitment to being there for your kiddo—it truly means everything.
For additional resources, such as Brave Trails free monthly meet-up groups, subscribe to our newsletter or email us at info@bravetrails.org. Together, we can create a brighter future for LGBTQ+ youth!