LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning. Youth refers to those under age 18. Parental support can mean acceptance, approval, encouragement, or positive interactions; it may also refer to non-acceptance, disapproval, discouragement, or negative interactions. Rejection includes avoidance, ignoring, shaming, blaming, punishing, or expelling. LGBTQ youth who are accepted by their parents tend to have better mental health than those whose parents do not accept them, according to research studies. Accepted LGBTQ youth report lower rates of anxiety, depression, suicide attempts, self-harm, substance abuse, and delinquency than rejected youth. They experience more social support from family members and friends, and greater overall life satisfaction.
Even accepted LGBTQ youth struggle with issues such as coming out, social stigma, and harassment. Some parents feel that they are protecting their children by concealing their sexuality from society. Others fear societal reactions and choose to keep their child's identity a secret. The long-term impact of this secrecy is unclear but may include isolation, insecurity, and difficulty forming relationships.
Rejected LGBTQ youth face challenges such as lack of love and understanding, bullying at home and school, homelessness, violence, and discrimination. This can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of shame and worthlessness, and increased risk of depression, substance use, suicidal thoughts, and actual attempts. Family conflict can worsen existing emotional problems and disrupt academic achievement, career goals, and future opportunities. Parents often fear for their child's safety and wellbeing, which causes additional stress. In some cases, rejecting parents try to change their child's behavior through therapy or religious intervention. This approach has been shown to be harmful rather than helpful, causing lasting damage to the parent-child relationship.
Parents should listen without judgment, ask open-ended questions, validate their child's experiences, offer reassurance, and seek professional help if needed. They should also educate themselves on LGBTQ issues and consider joining support groups. If parents do not accept their child's sexuality, it is important to avoid shaming, blaming, or punishing them; instead, try to understand and respond with empathy. Children need unconditional love and support, even when they make mistakes. As children grow older, they become more independent and less reliant on their family for identity validation.
A sense of belonging and acceptance from one's parents remains crucial throughout life.
How does parental support or rejection influence LGBTQ youth's mental health, self-esteem, and long-term identity development?
Parental support or rejection can have a significant impact on an LGBTQ youth's mental health, self-esteem, and long-term identity development. Studies have shown that when parents are accepting and supportive of their child's sexual orientation or gender identity, it can help improve their overall well-being and self-confidence.