How to support your teen if they want to come out
Telling your parents that you’re gay, lesbian, bi and/ or trans, is likely to be one of the most nervewracking conversations a teenager can ever have. While they may be relieved that they’ve got the secret off their chest, a teenager who has decided to come out to their family may still harbour the fear of upsetting a loved one, or feel like their identity isn’t accepted.
It’s a conversation that happens all the time – and in the world of celebrities too. Zoe Ball’s son Woody recently revealed that his radio presenter mum felt confused when he first came out as bisexual to her.
The 18-year-old spoke about his sexuality during an interview with Boys By Girls magazine, admitting that he’s liked both boys and girls for three years. “I told my mum and her first reaction was: ‘You can’t be, you like girls’,” he told the publication.
As a parent, like Ball, it’s understandable to have questions or concerns if your child has made the decision to come out, but how you react can make all the difference to a young person who is taking the right steps towards feeling comfortable with their sexuality.
Here, experts reveal their advice for parents of LGBTQ teens.
Reserve judgement
During the initial coming out conversation, it can be tempting to bombard your teen with questions, but Relate counsellor Simone Bose (relate.org.uk) advises you refrain from immediately jumping in with practicalities. Simply let your child lead the conversation and focus on making them feel accepted.
“Try to stay calm and be aware that your child is probably doing something they’re scared of – it’s taken some courage for them to tell you,” she says.
Be supportive
“If you’re the parent of a child who has recently come out, it’s important to create a welcoming environment, where they feel able to talk about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity,” says Kara Bird, information manager at Stonewall (stonewall.org.uk).
“Young people will probably have thought about coming out for a long time beforehand, so understanding that this is a big moment and taking time to listen, rather than asking lots of questions, will help this process.”
Go slowly and and when you think the time is right, ask any questions you may have in a gentle, nonjudgemental manner. Don’t expect them to have all the answers, though – their feelings might be just as confusing to them as they are to you.
Don’t discuss it with the whole family
Although your teenager felt able to confide in you, it doesn’t mean they’re ready to let the rest of the world know about their sexuality. “It’s important to ask them who else they want to tell, as they may not want everyone in the family to know,” says Bird.
Offer support
Let your teenager know that you can arrange counselling, if they’d like to speak to someone impartial.
“It might be that they’d like talk it through with somebody who is knowledgeable in the area,” says Bose.
Find support online
“Parents always want to know how best to support their children and make sure they’re happy,” says Bird. “Luckily, there is a wealth of support available for young people growing up LGBT.”
She believes it’s a good idea to point your child in the direction of established groups that provide services for young people. The Stonewall website has a What’s In My Area resource that can help parents find local LGBT youth groups.
“Taking active steps, such as helping your child attend their first Pride, can also be a great way to show your support,” adds Bird. “Every year, Stonewall holds Youth Pride events across the UK too – these events are a great opportunity for young people to join some of the UK’S celebrations of LGBT communities.”