Resources for Parents and Youth
Resources for Parents and Youth
Embedded Files
Tips for parents of LGBTQ+ children and the people who care about them
Tips for parents of LGBTQ+ children and the people who care about them
Do you think your town and schools are safe for LGBTQ+ youth? How can you help? How to know if your school is safe?
Because the current adminstration cut funding for the LGBTQ+ specific aspect of this hotline, you are less safe calling it. Check to see if your state has continued to offer these services. If not, better options are the Trevor Project Chat Line
The information on this page is truly CRITICAL for parents of children experiencing suicidal ideation. It offers insight that can help you determine how to best support and help your child.
This is the BEST resource for knowing how safe any place is for LGBTQ+ youth and adults. They are my number one resource!
5 Things you have the power to do:
1. THERAPY!!!!
If they are self harming and/or experiencing suicidal ideation, get them into therapy with someone who specializes in those issues and who understand the unique pressures and risks faced by LGBTQIA youth. Consider medication, even if only for a temporary period, until they are feeling better. Always consult with a professional who is knowledgeable about finding the right medication. I strongly recommend working with a Pschiatric Nurse for this.
Also, be sure to work with a licensed therapist who practices DBT, CBT, IFS and EMDR. This is the form of treatment apparently showing best results for addressing these struggles. JUST TALK THERAPY is generally not enough. So search for therapists offering other services.
Here is more information on DBT https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/dialectical-behavior-therapy
Link to find a licensed therapist, psychiatrist, treatment center or support group near you! Click the 'find a therapist' button at the top of the page. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us
2. LEARN
Read the article below from Pacific Medical Group. It has information I wish I had before Lily died. I do believe some of it would have helped and could have changed the situation. So TAKE TIME to read this! It may be the most important thing you read to help you and your child.
I am listing it repeatedly because it is so helpful.
The information on this page is truly CRITICAL for parents of children experiencing suicidal ideation. It offers insight that can help you determine how to best support and help your child.
3. Ensure they feel safe at school
If they do not, address it with them. Find out how the school is handling bullying, discrimination, and mental health. If they are not covering all areas of the Necessary Components, work with a therapist to determine how toxic the environment is and what the risk level is. If your schools are not doing enough, change schools (if you have that fortunate option) or PULL THEM OUT!! Seek other options until they feel stronger and/or until the school chooses to improve. Be willing for this to take as long as is necessary. Decide about returning to school with your child and their therapist.
**This is the number one thing I wish I would've done. I I believe firmly that Lily would be alive if I had! - it is a critical time and if addressed won't last forever.
4. Be Willing to Make Tough Choices
Change your life situation so that you (or someone) can be home with them. If they are self harming do NOT leave them alone. They will downplay it and say they are "fine," but if they are NOT fine, being alone could open opportunities for self harming or worse. Someone being there and noticing behavior and mental state, could save their lives.
** I also wish that I had dropped my two college classes I was taking. She was, or seemed to be, improving so it seemed like things were going to be okay. However, as with Lily, many things can pile up on them quite suddenly on any given day. I do question if I would've noticed more that night if I hadn't been busy with my day of teaching and then my class that evening.
If they are struggling, find a way to ensure that they are your focus... as much as possible. Cover time you can't be as attentive or must be gone. Be willing to ask for help from friends and supports. Don't leave them alone. When they are doing better ease into things. Give it time... you won't regret it if they make it through and get past it.
5. Limit and Monitor Screen time and ACCESS
Don't give your child a phone with internet access if possible until over 16. If this is not possible, talk with your provider and phone company to ensure there are appropriate restrictions to their access and monitor what they are viewing. This may seem or feel like an invasion, however, again this is something I did not do. She always showed me what she was watching and I had some restrictions but clearly she looked at things which I was unaware of and that she should not have had access to; and I had no idea at the time how much was accessible. Ensure you have the control password for the phone and they cannot change it. Do NOT let them view sites that are dark or make them more depressed and BE WATCHFUL of YouTube, Tik Tok and all social media. We believe Lily viewed one of the many posts of live streamed suicides. Although they try to take posts like that down, there is an enormous amount of toxic material available. Or other streams made by predators lure depressed people and target them. Some even encouraging them to take their life. It is important to explain to your child that you are not trying to invade their privacy, rather that you are trying to do your job and protect them from things that are not appropriate, or helpful for them and which may be dangerous. I had no idea what was truly out there then... it has only gotten worse. Luckily protections are better, but content and predation is worse.
NOTE: As of January 2025 any of the protections that were created for children are likely to be ineffective or to disappear altogether. When companies do not fact check this fosters the potential of bad information reaching children.
TAKE DEVICES AT BEDTIME – especially under 16 years old
Watch “Social Dilemma” on NETFLIX with your child
Trans Student Educational Resources
This is an excellent resource for parents, students and educators.
Link to two other graphics from them (they have many - check them all out):
Trans Student Educational Resources, 2015. “The Gender Unicorn.” http://www.transstudent.org/gender.
CyberGhost a Critical Resource for LGBTQ+ People of ALL ages!!
"The internet paved a great medium for LGBTQ+ people worldwide to connect and share their stories. Sadly, the digital world isn’t the safe space people hoped it would be. LGBTQ+ members are at an increased risk of cyber threats and online harassment."
If you have a transgender child, you will want to watch this show and connect with the Transparent groups available in your area or online
Transparent TV Series
Transparent TV Series
Currently on Amazon Prime
Also if you are a parent of a transgender child - connect with Transparent groups in your area or online! They offer support and resources that no other group can!
Homeschool Options for LGBTQ+ Students
These are some resources for LGBTQ+ safe homeschooling options
Unfortunately most of these programs, at any of these schools or providers listed here, cost money. They can be too expensive to really be a good option.
This school has some information about being LGBTQ safe but look into it further. The Pearl above clearly is a safe space and thus possibly a better option.
Support and Info for
LGBTQ Youth and their Parents
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project
Trans LifeLine
Trans Affirming peer crisis line
US (877) 565-8860
Canada (877) 330-6366
The Check-Up by Single Care
Guide to health and wellness for the transgender community
Explore a comprehensive guide to health and wellness for the transgender community, covering inclusive healthcare, mental and physical well-being, and advocacy for rights and support
Lambda Legal: Resources for LGBTQ Youth by State
Lambda Legal: Resources for LGBTQ Youth by State
Go to your state on this link and find helpful resources. Also look at other states if you are feeling unsafe where you are. This has some good information
WARNING: Because the current administration has CUT the funding for the LGBTQ+ specific help aspect of this crisis line, I do NOT recommend using this. Choose the Trevor Project Chat Line instead!
CDC guide to:
CDC guide to:
Short and excellent explanation of Anxiety for Teens
This page offers some excellent resources and tips for finding safe medical care for your child.
This site charges for services but does offer some helpful information on what employers can legally ask you in an interview and how to deal with inappropriate questions.
Resume Builder
Resume Builder
This site offers very helpful information, tips and other helpful resources for understanding your rights as you find a job and career
This site offers digital mental health resources for LGBTQ+ people. as well as information on pursuing a degree in counseling.
This site offers a directory of a variety of financial assistance and grant programs for African Americans. It is possible this could help you with finding assistance for legal help if needed or mental health care. Reach out to them and check out the resources available.
Helpful website with tips for shutting off the fight/flight Response:
https://drsoph.com/blog/6-ways-to-switch-off-the-fight-or-flight-response
Helpful Resources for Finding the Right College for LGBTQ+ Students +
This site offers excellent help for students and parents wanting to find a safe, and inclusive, campus where LGBTQ+ students feel supported and can thrive.
This page has helpful information for Parents and LGBTQ+ graduates looking for a safe and inclusive college.
This page has helpful information for Parents and LGBTQ+ graduates looking for a safe and inclusive college.
RETROYr2Handout.pdfCollege Sexual Behavior Survey
College Sexual Behavior Survey
click on the box to open in new page
Safe treatment centers for a variety of issues you and your child may be facing
If your LGBTQ+ child is experiencing trauma related challenges, body image struggles, self harming/suicidal ideation, identity challenges, alcohol/drug abuse, and many other issues; these organizations offer services and help in a safe and supportive environment.
DO NOT send your child to ANY recovery or treatment center that does not clearly state and outline their protections and treatment approach for LGBTQ+ youth.
This is the best site for finding the right place for you or your loved one. They offer all the resources you need in one place!
This site offers a LOT of helpful information about the long term impacts of bullying and various treatment options. They have helpful resources for LGBTQ+ families to find the type of help they need, and a safe environment for this critical work.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse