LGBTQIA+ youth health & support

Growing up can be hard. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or are questioning how you feel, you’ll want a network of support. You might face challenges at home, at school, or in the community. Youth camps and support groups can connect you to people who care. Mental health counselors and housing programs can help, too. 

If you’re a parent or guardian of an LGBTQIA+ youth, The Coming Out Handbook can help. This guide can help you understand gender and sexual identity. Your family might benefit from community groups and advocacy programs. They promote the well-being and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ youth.
 

How to cope with bullying or harassment

Bullying is an unfortunate reality for many school-age children. If you think your child is a target, in person or online, consult these resources.

StopBullying.gov 
Offers information on preventing bullying and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth and families. Visit StopBullying.gov.

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Supports LGBTQIA+ youth and their families, and shares tips on handling bullying. Visit PFLAG.org.

The Trevor Project
Provides crisis help and resources for LGBTQIA+ youth, including bullying support. They also publish The Coming Out Handbook. Visit the TrevorProject.org.

STOMP Out Bullying
Gives resources and support for young people facing bullying, including a HelpChat Crisis Line. Visit STOMPOutBullying.org.

Gay-straight alliances (GSA)
Your child’s school may already have a GSA. This is a student-run or community-based club that gathers LGBTQIA+ and allied youth. These clubs create safe spaces for students to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity issues. If your child’s school doesn’t have one, the ACLU and Genders & Sexualities Network have guides on how to start one.
 

As a parent, how can I best support my transgender or gender-nonconforming child?

Show your support by accepting them for who they are. Be patient as your child learns more about themself and explores how they want to be in the world.

Few people clearly understand themselves, especially when it comes to gender. So, don't expect your child to develop a gender identity right away.

Learn to sit in the unknown and in your own discomfort as you ensure your child feels loved and cared for. You need to build a mutually respectful and trusting relationship with your child. This will facilitate an open dialogue. You can help your child find resources to explore their gender identity.

Learn about their needs

Educate yourself on transgender and gender nonconforming experiences and terminology. PFLAG offers tools, tips, and support for families of LGBTQIA+ youth.
 

Find knowledgeable LGBTQIA+-friendly providers

Explore the LGBTQIA+ Healthcare Directory, a go-to source for LGBTQIA+ healthcare providers. For mental health counselors, consult the Psychology Today Therapist Directory.

Explore gender-affirming care options

The UCSF Transgender Care Guidelines provide detailed information on various aspects of transgender health. Topics include hormone therapy, preventive care, safe chest binding, and gender-affirming surgeries.
 

Assistance with legal processes

The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) helps navigate the process of changing names and gender markers. This will be necessary for identification documents, such as driver’s licenses and passports.

Connect with supportive networks

Encourage your child to join LGBTQIA+ community centers and online peer forums. These are safe places to get advice, make friends, and share experiences. The Trevor Project has a safe online space called TrevorSpace for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13 to 24.

Puberty blockers

Puberty blockers may help your child feel comfortable in their body. These medications can pause menstrual periods and breast growth. They can even encourage facial hair growth or deepen voices. Your child can start taking them in the early stages of puberty.

Discuss the benefits and risks of puberty blockers with your child’s doctor.
 

Can my child get gender-affirming surgery?

No. Such surgeries are not available to children under the age of 18. There are some exceptions. These include top surgery (the removal of the chest tissue). Preferably, the minor should first undergo a year of hormone treatment. They must spend ample time living in the desired gender role. This gives them time to adjust to a new gender before undergoing irreversible surgery.

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