As an LGBT+ parent, it’s important to understand your own beliefs in order to engage positively with your kid. Here are some questions to ask yourself so you can learn more about your beliefs and be there for your child.
How did your views on LGBT+ people form?
What did I learn about LGBT+ people growing up? Parents with LGBT+ children should self-reflect on what they learned about LGBT+ people growing up, because that background will shape how they interact with their LGBT+ child(ren).
Learn how to handle any fear about LGBT+ parenting
What kind of future do I imagine for my child? Parents may fear that their child will be lonely or discriminated against, which interferes with their relationship with their child.
Fundamentally, what do you believe about LGBT+ people?
What are my own beliefs? Becoming aware of your own beliefs makes you aware as a parent of what’s driving your own behavior.
Sometimes, parents of LGBT+ children may not realize they have internalized beliefs and biases about LGBT+ people. While these beliefs may not be conscious, it’s important to understand them so that you can support your child.
Questions about LGBT+ parenting to discuss on Ohlelo:
- What do you make of this advice on understanding your own beliefs about LGBT+ identity in order to better support your LGBT+ child?
- Do you have other tips for raising an LGBT+ child?
- How have you overcome challenges you have encountered in raising an LBGT+ child?
- What personal beliefs or biases have you identified as a result of these questions, and how will you work to understand and/or overcome them?
- What do you think is the most important thing for an LGBT+ child to hear or experience from a parent?
Check out this excellent video by Kevin Jennings on the Kids in the House website. We also recommend you see our guide on having gender identity conversations with children and our Gender and Sexuality home page, for everything related to this topic.