What can we do to prevent suicide among LGBT teens? That's the question a lot of people have been asking with suicide deaths of several young LGBT people in the media spotlight.
Researchers have been able to show that family acceptance is a crucial influence on LGBT teens and young adults. Family acceptance can affect self-esteem and can also protect against depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation and attempts.
The data from this research tell a powerful story: LGBT teens and young adults remember the things that they hear, the feedback they received, the ways they were treated, and the relationships they had as children with their families. Family members' accepting, positive comments, attitudes, behaviors, and interactions around LGBT identity might quite literally save lives.
What are ways that families can show acceptance of their LGBT children? From the Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University:
- Talk with your child about their LGBT identity
- Express affection when your child tells you or when you learn that your child is LGBT
- Support your child's LGBT identity even though you may feel uncomfortable
- Advocate for your child when he or she is mistreated because of their LGBT identity
- Require that other family members respect your LGBT child
- Bring your child to LGBT organizations or events
- Connect your child with an LGBT adult role model to show them options for the future
- Work to make your faith community supportive of LGBT members or find a supportive faith community that welcomes your family and your LGBT child
- Welcome your child's LGBT friends and partner to your home and to family events and activities
- Support your child's gender expression
- Believe your child can have a happy future as an LGBT adult
Not easy stuff. But, also, easy stuff. Love your kid. Make sure others know you love your kid. Don't be afraid of talking about difficult, real things with your kid. Don't let other family members disrespect your kid. Find activities that help your kid be themselves. Do these things even if they make you uncomfortable, because you're doing them for your kid, for the person your kid will become, for the future. Believe that it's going to be a good world for your kid - because you are going to help make it that way.
Reference: Ryan, C., et al. (2010) Family Acceptance in Adolescence and the Health of LGBT Young Adults. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 23(4), 205-213.
Copyright 2010 Elana Premack Sandler, All Rights Reserved
