Find resources in this section intended to help families support their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth; understand what to expect; and learn how to talk about a number of issues that may be impacting their youth.
Answers to Your Questions For a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation and Homosexuality
(PDF - 128 KB)
American Psychological Association (2008)
Provides information for those who want to better understand sexual orientation and the impact of prejudice and discrimination on people who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. This pamphlet is also available in Spanish (PDF - 277 KB).
Ending Conversion Therapy: Supporting and Affirming LGBTQ Youth (PDF - 10,783 KB)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2015)
Presents research, clinical expertise, and expert consensus on therapeutic practices related to children's and adolescent's sexual orientation and gender identify, and makes the case for eliminating the use of conversion therapy among this population.
The Family Acceptance Project
Works to decrease major health and related risks, such as suicide, substance abuse, HIV, and homelessness, for LGBT youth in the context of their families. The initiative uses a research-based, culturally grounded approach to help ethnically, socially, and religiously diverse families decrease rejection and increase support for their LGBT children.
GLBTQ Issues Info for Parents
Advocates for Youth
Offers tips for parents of LGBTQ youth, including characteristics of parents of sexually healthy adolescents and resources in several languages on talking about sexuality and values.
Helping Families Support Their Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Children (PDF - 897 KB)
Ryan (2009)
Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development, National Center for Cultural Competence
Presents basic information to help families, caretakers, advocates, and providers support LGBT children and shares research from the Family Acceptance Project that shows that families have a major impact on their LGBT children’s health, mental health, and well-being.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Explores some of the health issues and inequities affecting LGBT communities. This website offers resources for LGBT youth and adults as well as health care providers, public health professionals, and public health students.
Safe Communities
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Supports LGBT people, their families, friends, and allies locally and nationally by providing PFLAG chapter helplines, support group meetings, advocacy, and resources. PFLAG's resources for families and communities on sexual orientation, gender identity, and LGBT issues include Coming Out, Our Trans Children (PDF - 185 KB), and Be Not Afraid: Help Is on the Way! (PDF - 2,139 KB).
Resources for families of transgender youth
Answers to Your Questions About Transgender People, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression (PDF - 274 KB)
American Psychological Association (2011)
Presents information about transgender people, gender identity, and gender expression; discusses the impact of prejudice on people who identify as transgender; and offers examples of ways to be supportive of transgender loved ones. The pamphlet includes a list of resources for more information on transgender health, advocacy, and human rights issues.
If You Are Concerned About Your Child's Gender Behaviors (PDF - 340 KB)
Children's National Medical Center & Outreach Program for Children With Gender-Variant Behaviors and Their Families (2003)
Answers parents' frequently asked questions about children's gender-variant behaviors and related issues. The guide includes a list of websites and resources that might be helpful to parents.
Transgender
Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays (2013)
Provides PFLAG's Transgender Network page, which includes access to resources and other organizations that educate and support transgender youth and their families.