Towards Understanding
If you are reading this, someone you care about may have just come out as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, pansexual, genderqueer, etc. (2SLGBTQ+), or you may be anticipating that they might. A range of feelings is normal - as are questions.
How you respond will have a long-lasting impact on the quality of their life and your relationship moving forward.
Consider the following as you begin your journey:
Parents don't 'make' their child 2SLGBTQ+ |
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Sexual orientation is not a choice. People do not choose to be heterosexual or straight, they just are and the same holds true with 2SLGBTQ+ people. Gender identity is not a choice either - it is our authentic self. It is not something that can be changed. If you are a parent, choose to be proud that your child has figured out who they are and feels safe to share that with you. While nothing you did as a parent 'made' your child 2SLGBTQ+, how you respond will have a long-lasting impact on the quality of their life and your relationship moving forward. Having a 2SLGBTQ+ child is not a reflection of your parenting skills. Having a child who feels that they can come to you and be accepted and loved when they tell you something that is not always accepted in society is a reflection of your parenting skills. |
Your support can make the biggest difference |
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Strong support from family, friends, coworkers and community is the most significant factor in improving and sustaining a person's physical and mental health. If you are a parent, remember your role is to nurture someone into becoming the person they are meant to be - not the person society or we as parents hope them to be. This journey may be confusing and disorienting for you. You may be afraid for your loved one's safety, and worry about bullying and discrimination. You may be angry and confused and upset. Trust that how you feel today will not be how you will feel in the future. Try not to overwhelm your loved one with negative feelings and present a united front, even if you are behind other members of your family in processing what has been shared. Your love and support as a family member or friend is crucial - and if you cannot offer this because of who they are, you may lose them. |
Understand that words matter |
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Many people, even those who are well meaning and want to support their family or friend, can jump to "oh no...this is going to be hard". If possible, let that feeling ride over you and remember that this is someone you care about - and they need to hear something positive right now. Saying "I'll still love you even if you're gay" implies that this is a choice - and a negative one. Instead, say something about how positive this is:
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Ask questions and listen |
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When you hear words like 'gay' or 'transgender' for example, certain assumptions may come to your mind. However, every person and path is different and instead of making assumptions, ask questions about how they identify, what it means to them, what they need to be themselves. They may be still deciding and sorting things out, but they will have ideas - perhaps about what makes them comfortable, how they want to look, what they want to be called, the kind of support they need. So ask questions, and listen to what they say. |
Allow them to set the pace |
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Your loved one has probably been thinking about this for longer than you have, and have likely waited a long time before telling you about this, and may have done so now because it has become too difficult to hide who they truly are. As much as possible, let them set the pace. Discuss with this person what to share with friends and family. You may need to talk to others for support but you also need to respect this person's privacy. Ask them if it is ok to disclose, or tell others, their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Your loved one may have told you but are not ready to tell others. |
Trust that this will lead to a happier and healthier life |
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You may not notice it right away, but as time passes, you will see your loved one become happier, more comfortable, and more at ease. Just because you now know their sexual orientation and/or gender identity - it doesn't mean they are a different person. Supported by their family and friends to explore who they are, a person has the chance to find their true gifts and develop into an authentic adult. If someone is forced to live an unnatural, unauthentic life, it destroys their sense of self and withers their spirit. Family rejection lowers self-esteem and can drive a person to self-harm, poverty, homelessness, drugs, alcohol, prostitution, and suicide. |
Get educated & seek support |
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There are many people and sources of information that can support you and your family in this journey. Seek out people in your life who can help you understand how to show up meaningfully and lovingly for your loved one and your family. If your loved one is a child or youth, find out what kind of support, services and education are in place at their school - do they have a non-discrimination policy? Is there a Gay-Straight Alliance support group? Get educated, read books, go to websites, learn new language and the right terminology, connect with other parents of 2SLGBTQ+ children and youth and do what is needed to be an informed, effective parent for your child. The truth is, it is great for the person you care about that they have figured out who they are, and what they want and love. Trust that the more they live openly as themselves with your love, encouragement and acceptance, the more they will thrive. |