It’s Pride Month and that means its time to support the LGBTQ+ kiddos in your life! Here are some books and some websites and some other help for you and your kids.
Even if your kid isn’t queer you still need to be up on all this because if you are a safe adult then you may be one of the first people a child comes out to.
For some folks, the new world of openness about LGBTQ+ issues is confusing and even concerning. Most of us grew up in a time when being queer was secretive, shameful and rarely talked about. Not anymore.
Here in Liberal-landia, kids and teens don’t seem to think twice when a friend comes out or changes gender. Beyond being a supportive friend, who someone wants to bonk or have romance with doesn’t matter to them.
In other parts of the world, this is still a tough issue for both kids and adults.
It doesn’t matter whether you “believe” in being gay, or if you think it’s against God or the moral structure of the universe or whatever.
What matters is what is best for LGBTQ+ kids. These kids have a considerably higher suicide rate than straight kids. I know you don’t want any child in your life to even consider committing suicide.
The number one thing that helps LGBTQ+ kids stay healthy and have the same sexual health outcomes as not queer kids is 100% parental support. What this means is that you need to get your poop in a group and figure out how to support your child even if your values don’t agree with them being something other than them being straight or cisgender.**
In my world the health of the child; the safety of the child; the well-being of the child; this is what’s most important. Always. Not your discomfort. Not your values. Not your religious beliefs. Not politics. None of that. The health and welfare of the child.
Books for Kids
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth
Books for Adults
Books for Parents of LGBTQ+ Kids
Websites
Kick-ass Inclusive Sexuality Education
Parents and Friends of Gays and Lesbians
Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBT Teens
Family Equality for LGBTQ+ Families
Videos for Kids
**Wondering what all the LGBTQ+ words mean? Help is here.
