🌈 Educational | Gay Parenting & Resources

 

The following resources are available for youth, families, and providers.

For Youth

Information

Resources for Coming Out (Human Rights Campaign): https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out
Survival Guide for Independent LGBTQ Youth (Human Rights Campaign): www.truecolorsfund.org/portfolio/on-our-own-a-survival-guide-for-independent-lgbtq-youth/

Connection

LGBT Centers:

Gay Straight Alliance Network: www.gsanetwork.org/

It Gets Better Project: www.itgetsbetter.org/
The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org/
National Youth Forum on Homelessness: https://truecolorsunited.org/our-work/youth-collaboration/true-colors-united-for-black-lives/

For Families

Information

Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Facts for Teens and Their Parents (American Academy of Pediatrics): www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/dating-sex/Pages/Gay-Lesbian-and-Bisexual-Teens-Facts-for-Teens-and-Their-Parents.aspx

Gender Identity Development (American Academy of Pediatrics): www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Gender-Identity-and-Gender-Confusion-In-Children.aspx

Family Acceptance Project – Family Booklet (also available in Spanish and Chinese): www.familyproject.sfsu.edu/sites/default/files/

FAP_English%20Booklet_pst.pdf

Family Acceptance Project – Family Videos: www.familyproject.sfsu.edu/family-videos

Parenting Resources (Human Rights Campaign): https://www.hrc.org/resources/parenting

Connection

PFLAG: www.pflag.org

Trans Youth Family Allies: www.imatyfa.org/

For Providers

Information

A Practitioner’s Resource Guide for Helping Families to Support Their LGBT Children (Family Acceptance Project): www.familyproject.sfsu.edu/sites/default/files/FamilySu

pportForLGBTChildrenGuidance.pdf

Best Practice Guidelines for Serving LGBT Youth in Out-of-Home Care (Family Acceptance Project):

ceslgbtyouth.pdf
Resources for Supporting LGBTQ Youth (Human Rights Campaign):

Trainings for Youth-Serving Professionals (The Trevor Project):

www.thetrevorproject.org/pages/trainings-for-youth-serving-professionals

National Child Traumatic Stress Network LGBTQ Resources:

https://www.nctsn.org/search?query=LGBTQ
LGBT Youth Homelessness Report (True Colors Fund): www.truecolorsfund.org/portfolio/lgbt-youth-homelessness-report/

Connection

The 40 to None Network: www.truecolorsfund.org/our-work/training-education/network/

GLSEN (previously an acronym for Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network): www.glsen.org/

 

1. Family Equality Council: This organization advocates for LGBTQ+ families and provides resources, support, and community connections. Visit their website for information on legal rights, parenting resources, and support groups:
- Website: https://www.familyequality.org/

2. Gay Parent Magazine: This online magazine offers articles, advice, and personal stories for LGBTQ+ parents. It covers various topics related to parenting, adoption, surrogacy, and more:
- Website: https://www.gayparentmag.com/

3. COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere): COLAGE is a support network for individuals with LGBTQ+ parents. They offer resources, events, and online forums for children, teens, and adults with LGBTQ+ parents:
- Website: https://www.colage.org/

4. PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): PFLAG provides support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. They have local chapters across the United States and offer resources specifically for parents and families:
- Website: https://pflag.org/

5. Our Family Coalition: This organization supports LGBTQ+ families in the San Francisco Bay Area. They offer resources, workshops, and community events for parents and children:
- Website: https://ourfamily.org/

6. National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR): NCLR is a legal advocacy organization that works to protect and advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. They provide legal resources and support for LGBTQ+ parents:
- Website: https://www.nclrights.org/

7. Human Rights Campaign (HRC): HRC is a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization that offers resources and support for LGBTQ+ parents. Their website includes information on legal rights, parenting guides, and resources for creating inclusive environments:
- Website: https://www.hrc.org/

Remember, these resources can provide valuable information, support, and connections for gay parents. It's always beneficial to explore multiple sources and find the ones that best suit your specific needs and location.

 Blog Entry TONY DIMOV

Introduction:
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and having gay parents is a beautiful expression of diversity. However, children and teens with gay parents may face unique challenges due to societal attitudes and misconceptions. It is crucial to create a supportive environment that fosters acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity. This informative piece aims to provide guidance on how to support children and teens with gay parents.

1. Educate Yourself:
Take the initiative to educate yourself about LGBTQ+ identities, same-sex relationships, and the experiences of children with gay parents. This knowledge will help you better understand their perspectives and challenges, enabling you to provide appropriate support.

2. Promote Open Communication:
Encourage open and honest communication within the family and community. Create a safe space where children and teens feel comfortable discussing their feelings, concerns, and questions about their family structure. Listen attentively, validate their experiences, and provide age-appropriate information.

3. Address Bullying and Discrimination:
Children and teens with gay parents may face bullying or discrimination at school or in their social circles. Teach them strategies to handle such situations, such as assertiveness, seeking support from trusted adults, and reporting incidents to appropriate authorities. Advocate for inclusive policies and anti-bullying measures within educational institutions.

4. Celebrate Diversity:
Embrace and celebrate the diversity of families. Encourage children and teens to appreciate and respect different family structures, including those with gay parents. Teach them that love, support, and commitment are the foundations of a healthy family, regardless of the parents' sexual orientation.

5. Provide LGBTQ+ Literature and Resources:
Offer age-appropriate books, articles, and resources that depict diverse families, including those with gay parents. These materials can help children and teens understand and normalize their family structure, while also educating others about the diversity of families.

6. Foster Connections with Similar Families:
Connect children and teens with other families who have gay parents. This can be done through LGBTQ+ support groups, community events, or online platforms. Building relationships with peers who share similar experiences can provide a sense of belonging and support.

7. Encourage Positive Role Models:
Expose children and teens to positive LGBTQ+ role models, both within their family and in the wider community. This can include family friends, community leaders, or public figures who are open about their sexual orientation and have successful, fulfilling lives.

8. Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights:
Support LGBTQ+ rights and advocate for equal treatment and legal protections for all families. Engage in conversations about LGBTQ+ issues, attend pride events, and support organizations that work towards equality. By actively participating in these efforts, you demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and support for children and teens with gay parents.

9. Seek Professional Support:
If needed, seek professional support from therapists, counselors, or support groups specializing in LGBTQ+ family dynamics. These professionals can provide guidance, resources, and a safe space for children and teens to explore their feelings and navigate any challenges they may face.

10. Unconditional Love and Acceptance:
Above all, provide unconditional love and acceptance to children and teens with gay parents. Let them know that their family is valued, cherished, and supported. Emphasize that their parents' sexual orientation does not define their worth or the love they receive.

Supporting children and teens with gay parents requires creating an inclusive and understanding environment. By educating ourselves, promoting open communication, celebrating diversity, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, we can ensure that these young individuals feel loved, accepted, and empowered to embrace their unique family structure. Together, we can foster a society that values and respects all families, regardless of sexual orientation.