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 dramatically drop. (Trevor Project, 2022) Adult support is a strong protective factor for young people and can be a valuable tool for improving mental health outcomes. 

Minority stress is a common experience faced by people who belong to a minority group. This can result in chronic psychological stress and even impact physical health. For LGBTQIA+ youth factors that play a role in minority stress often include bullying, rejection, discrimination, isolation, and shame. (Tuazon-McCheyne, 2024) It may be difficult to learn that a young person you love is experiencing these things, however, there are some things you can do to be a supportive adult in their lives!

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 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 they are going through but keeping an open, curious mind can be a helpful way to make the child in your life feel heard. 

• Ask open-ended questions about their experience, this creates room for conversation and gives them a chance to open up at their own pace. 
• Listen without interrupting or trying to solve the problem right away, 
• Check-in about school, friendships, social media, and community experiences. This can help you stay informed about any positive or negative experiences they may be having in different environments. 

3. Affirm their identity 

Even small acts of affirmation can be effective in making the child in your life feel safe, protected and seen by you. 

• Use the correct name and pronouns
• If you make a mistake, correct it but don’t dwell on it. It takes time to get it right, and they will appreciate that you are trying
• Respect their privacy and avoid sharing their identity with other people unless they explicitly ask you to

4. Create Visible Signs of Safety

It can be more effective to be direct in expressing your support of LGBTQIA+ people rather than to assume that your young person already knows you are supportive. This takes the guesswork out of it and allows young people to feel safe without having to ask how you feel about them. 

• Display clear signs of inclusion (i.e. wearing a pride flag pin or displaying a small pride magnet where they can see it)
• Use inclusive language (i.e. ask for other pronouns instead of assuming, address groups neutrally by using words like you all or y’all)
• Create clear expectations around bullying and respect. This can be especially important in a classroom environment to foster a sense of confidence that bullying will be taken seriously.
• Talk positively about LGBTQIA+ people. This is a great way to show the child in your life that you appreciate their identities and create positive narratives that support their self esteem. 
• If you are an educator, include LGBTQIA+ people in your curriculum. These stories are often left out and sharing them can be a great way to create a more inclusive and representative learning environment for all students. 

When you might need additional support

There may be a point at which you notice your child is struggling and you need additional support. This is a common experience and it is important to have grace with yourself as you navigate this moment. Here are a few signs that you may need additional support:

Depression

If your child is showing signs of depression such as a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, feelings of hopelessness, persistent sadness, or feelings of worthlessness you may want to consider seeking professional help. These can be indicators that mental health treatment could be beneficial, especially if they are ongoing or impacting their school, family relationships or friendships. 

Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety such as hypervigilance, constant worrying, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, panic attacks, avoidance of school or other social situations, or irritability may also be signs that it’s time to seek professional support. Anxiety can feel overwhelming for young people and can show up both emotionally and physically. If you notice a pattern of these symptoms showing up over time and they begin to impact daily functioning, it may be helpful to consider seeking additional support. 

Suicidal thoughts

It can be scary to think about your child experiencing suicidal thoughts but it is an important topic to broach with them. This can be an ongoing conversation that you return to over time, allowing space for openness and honesty on this subject. It is important to be direct when talking to your child about suicidal thoughts, using simple and clear language rather than avoiding the topic. It is also helpful to remain calm and open to listening, even if they let you know they have been experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

If your child discloses suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. This can mean reaching out to a mental health professional such as a therapist or social worker or seeking support from the school counselor. If you feel your child is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone and be sure to seek emergency support right away by calling 988 for crisis support or taking them to the nearest emergency room. 

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How therapy can help

Therapy can provide a safe space for LGBTQIA+ youth to share their emotions and experiences with a trained mental health professional. It can also help them develop coping skills and understand how to manage their mental health. If you feel like therapy could be a helpful tool for you or your child, you can browse our therapists here. If you are located outside the state of Illinois or Indiana, you can also look for an inclusive therapist by clicking here.

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Conclusion

Although LGBTQIA+ youth can experience challenges due to societal discrimination, there are things you can do to be a positive figure in their lives. Through consistent affirmation, curiosity and intentional acceptance you can be an integral part of your child’s support system and create a safe space that allows them to be authentic, confident and resilient. While you may not have all the answers, you have the power to show up everyday with a willingness to listen and support them in all of who they are. 

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Sources

• Allison Kimble-Cusano, E. (2024, May 22). Beyond the binary: Raising trans- and gender-nonconforming children. Institute for Child Success. 
• CDC. (2024, November). Supporting LGBTQ+ youth. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 
• Fields, E. (n.d.). Tips for parents of LGBTQ youth | Johns Hopkins Medicine. 
• Friends & Family Support Systems for LGBTQ+ Youth. The Trevor Project. (2026, May 1).
• LGBTQ+ supportive environments. Chicago Public Schools. (n.d.). 
• LGBTQ+ youth - resources for parents and caregivers. Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center. (2023, June 13). 
• Mental health matters: Supporting LGBTQ Youth Beyond Pride month. Mental Wellness Center -. (2025, June 2). 
• Strong Family Alliance. (2022). PARENTING TRANSGENDER CHILDREN.