Supporting 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth
This Pride Month, we wanted to take an opportunity to share a new resource supporting 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth and their families.
Supporting children starts with connection. When you share a genuine moment of connection with your child, it provides a strong sense of togetherness and warmth. Connection builds a solid foundation where you can navigate the many twists, successes and challenges in life together.
As parents and caregivers, we are constantly having to learn, adapt and respond to changes around us: within our family, as your child grows and develops, within our schools and communities as well as within society.
For some parents and caregivers, supporting a child who is 2S/LGBTQIA+ can feel unfamiliar to navigate. There may be questions, worries or moments where you are unsure what to say. That is okay, and it is a common part of this experience. What matters most is your willingness to learn, listen, and stay connected with your child along the way.
Supportive adults have a powerful impact
Support is not about having all the answers. It is about creating an environment where young people feel safe, respected, and loved for who they are. In our new resource Supporting 2S/LGBTQIA+ Youth, we explore some supportive actions that parents and caregivers can try, along with considerations for working collaboratively with schools.
Everyone starts their journey as an affirming adult from a different place… It does not matter where you are starting from, only that you do start. (Egale, 2024)
Research consistently shows the powerful impact supportive adults can have on a child’s mental health and well-being. In fact, 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth with supportive adults in their lives are significantly more likely to report positive mental health. Simple, everyday actions such as listening without judgment, showing up for important conversations or helping them connect to supportive spaces can make a lasting difference.
The power of connection
Connection also means recognizing that no one needs to navigate this journey alone. Families benefit from their community too. Reaching out to trusted school staff, connecting with other parents and caregivers, attending inclusive community events or learning alongside affirming organizations can help build confidence and reduce isolation. Sometimes, knowing there are others learning alongside you can be just as important as the information itself.
If your child comes out to you, remember that this moment often carries vulnerability and courage. Your response does not need to be perfect. What children and youth remember most in this moment is whether they felt heard, respected and loved. Listening intentionally, expressing care and being willing to learn can strengthen trust and deepen your relationship over time.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. Learning is not linear, and mistakes may happen. When they do, acknowledge them, apologize if needed and keep moving forward. Supporting a child is not about perfection: it is about connection, consistency and care.
Schools and communities also play an important role. Supportive school environments, trusted school staff, inclusive policies and affirming peer spaces help young people feel a stronger sense of belonging. Parents and caregivers can be valuable partners in this work through advocacy, communication and ongoing collaboration with schools and community organizations.
Every conversation, every effort to listen and every act of affirmation helps build a stronger community where all children and youth can thrive.