Children may first come out to online communities or peers they perceive as safe and accepting before telling their family. Society has become more open and accepting of LGBTQ individuals, and young people are beginning to come out at earlier ages than they did a generation ago. Speaking positively about LGBTQ celebrities or current events you will let them know you are supportive of their identity. Teens may look for clues on how you feel about their gender identity and sexual orientation. Some will feel comfortable being open about their identity, while other teens may not tell anyone for a long time. Teens may accept that they are LGBTQ but not yet ready to start sharing this information with anyone yet. "I accept that I'm gay, but what will my family and friends say?" Good relationships with friends and will help teens to manage their feelings andĭeal with any discrimination they may face. Having a supportive and helpful environment at home and For example, they may isolate themselves from others for fear of being exposed, or "outed." Some teens may feel very alone, especially if they live in a community that doesn't have an active LGBTQ-youth support system. In some cases, teens might be overwhelmed by all these feelings, which increases the risk for Many children may try to suppress these feelings to meet societal expectations, to fit in, or even to avoid upsetting their parents or families. It can be a mix of excitement, relief, and worry. Many teens have mixed feelings when they first try on a new way of identifying. "I think I might be gay (or lesbian, bi, or trans), but I'm not sure, and I don't know how I feel about that."īeyond just feeling "different," young people begin to wonder if they might be "gay" (or lesbian, bi or trans) or some other label they may prefer. Provide exposure to people working and enjoying activities outside of conventional gender expectations.Įngage in conversations and check regularly with your children about their interests, friend groups, romantic attractions, and any bullying or teasing that may be taking place. Support diverse friendships and social involvement without focusing on expectations around gender. Play an important role advocating for safe spaces where their child can explore interests without judgment or stereotypes. Just remember that children who feel loved and accepted for who they are have a much easier time. Some can start to feel isolated from their peers, especially if they feel that they don't fit in or are given a hard time for being different. It is common for LGBTQ teens to feel scared or nervous during this stage. See Gender Diverse & Transgender Children. However, many LGBTQ teens have said, in retrospect, that they began to sense something "different" about themselves early in life, and for gender diverse youth, sometimes as far back as preschool. For many kids, gender identity becomes clear around puberty as they develop gender characteristics and stronger romantic attractions. Children may begin exploring gender and relationships before kindergarten, so "coming out" and sharing these feelings of being different with others may happen at any time. "I feel different from other kids."įeelings of being "different" emerge throughout childhood, although it may not be clear to the child what the feelings means. Parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) teens to remember each child is unique and will have their own experiences and feelings along the way. It may be quick and easy for some, or longer and more difficult for others. Gender identity and/or sexual orientation with others. Piedmont Healthcare: "How Trans Fat Affects Brain Function."Coming out" is a lifelong journey of understanding, acknowledging and sharing one's Journal of Nutritional Sciences: "Dietary patterns are associated with cognitive function in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort." Northwestern Medicine: "How Alcohol Impacts the Brain." Mayo Clinic: "How to Use Food to Help Your Body Fight Inflammation."
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