Parents, Carers and Families
Do you have a child, relative or friend who has come out to you as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender+, or perhaps they are questioning their sexual Orientation, gender identity or transgender identity. Maybe you have understandable questions or concerns of your own or feel unsure about how to react. It’s important to make those around you, who are coming out, to feel supported and safe when doing so. All young people need support and for LGBT young people, getting kind and clear support can be the key to thriving and going on to have a happy and healthy life.
Top Tips
Be open and approachable
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Show genuine interest in how they see themselves, what they think, and what they’re experiencing.
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Ask questions and listen - Empathise with them and be there for them.​
Be supportive in any way you can
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Show them you are supportive and that you will love them whatever their sexual orientation gender identity or transgender identity.
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Encourage them to keep talking to you about how they feel and what they want to do about it.
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Tell them you’re happy to discuss to help them look for more information or to talk to others on their behalf if they want you to.
Where to get support
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Offer to practice how to respond to negative comments, or how to approach telling other people.
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Access available supports through organisations - Think about getting in touch with their school to find out what other support might be available in your local area.​
The positives
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In coming out your child will be brave and respected.
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Your child is unique - they will stay the same person nothing will change.
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Your child will grow in confidence and self esteem.
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Be reassured there is a wealth of support for you, your family and your child both locally and nationally.
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There is a growing LGBT+ Community in school so your child is not alone!
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The staff at the AHS are understanding and accepting of LGBT+ young people.
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We will not tolerate any bullying or homophobia/
biphobia/transphobia of any kind.
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We are here for you, your child and your family so please reach out to us!
More information:
Young people who identify as LGBT+ are more susceptible to mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, self-harm and even suicidal attempts. This often stems from their own fears of coming out to parent, carers, friends and can possibly lead to being bullied by their peers, or even their internalised homophobia, biphobia or transphobia.
As a parent, carer, friend or family member, we know that you can make a huge difference to the lives of LGBT+ young people and how they feel about themselves and coming out.
Every day we hear more about sexual orientation gender identity or transgender identity and for many parents, carers or family members it could be difficult getting to grips with what it might all mean and this can be a minefield.
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Unfortunately we can’t promise to explain everything, but we can offer suggestions on ways to help parents to support their children through, what can be a sensitive and stressful time. For some parents, carers or family members, your child’s sexual orientation gender identity or transgender identity may not come as a surprise and it might even be a relief when they do ‘come out’.
These days it’s becoming much more common for parents, carers and family members to be supportive and very proud of their child coming out. For others, your child’s identity can come as a genuine shock and one which can raise negative emotions such as disappointment, confusion, anxiety, loss or even anger.
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It's important to research as much as possible, or to speak with someone who has had the same experience. So the experience between you and the Young Person isn't filled with negativity but acceptance and becomes a positive journey for you both.
Resources:
There are some amazing resources on the LGBT+ Scotland website that you can download and read in your own time. It’s very important that when your child comes to you, that you also feel confident and prepared to support them in any way you can.
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These links are the first steps in to helping support your child and making them feel comfortable and safe. Please feel free to contact the school and get in contact with the Youth Worker, Kevin Gillick or the Pupil Support Team (01595 808 008) as well, if you would like to know a bit more information about what goes on in the school.