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Support LGBTQ+ Young People: A Guide for Families to Listen, Learn, and Act

This guide offers practical, affirming steps that families can take to build safer, more supportive environments for LGBTQ+ young people.

Born This Way Foundation, in partnership with Hopelab, Bard Early College, CenterLink, We Embody Lab at the University of New Haven, and the Nebraska Evaluation & Research Center, created Support LGBTQ+ Young People: A Guide for Families to Listen, Learn, and Act to help families better support the LGBTQ+ young people in their lives.

This guide is grounded in research and insights directly from LGBTQ+ young people and adult experts, including educators, mental health professionals, researchers, and LGBTQ+ center leaders. It offers practical, affirming steps that families can take to build safer, more supportive environments, especially when it comes to identity, mental health, and online communities.

Born This Way Foundation

Born This Way Foundation

Born This Way Foundation empowers and inspires young people to build a kinder, braver world that supports their mental health and wellbeing.

Next Step? Take Action.

Estimated Action Time:

Duration hours

Be engaged, curious, and open-minded. Practice active listening when speaking to peers about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Ask open-ended, non-judgmental questions about what their identity means to them. Be accepting of their readiness to respond.

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