Just Like Us, the LGBTQ+ young people’s charity, has published its LGBT+ Guide for Parents, which aims to help parents become LGBTQ+ allies and bring families together. According to the charity, a third of British parents have never spoken to their child about what LGBTQ+ means, and dads are even le
Just Like Us, the LGBTQ+ young people’s charity, has published its LGBT+ Guide for Parents, which aims to help parents become LGBTQ+ allies and bring families together.
According to the charity, a third of British parents have never spoken to their child about what LGBTQ+ means, and dads are even less likely to do so.
The new guide covers the importance of having positive and open conversations about LGBTQ+ issues and why these should take place from an early age, how parents can foster family closeness with their LGBTQ+ young people, navigating school bullying and what to do if your child comes out, as well as signposting to further support and resources for parents.
Laura Mackay, CEO at Just Like Us, said: “Every parent has an important role to play. You can help your children, their schools and your community become more aware of the harmful effects of discrimination; more inclusive and more confident to stand up for vulnerable young people.
“I hope this guide will help you on that journey. Please do recommend it to your peers, parent networks and local schools.
“The production of this guide has been made possible with the kind support of the George Michael Fund, managed by the Talent Fund. We are extremely grateful for their support.”
The guide follows consultation with more than 100 parents and LGBTQ+ young people who shared their experiences with the charity. The guide reflects common scenarios faced by parents and children alike.
Just Like Us also worked with Switchboard who shared the common queries they receive from both straight parents and LGBTQ+ young people experiencing family difficulties and break down in relation to a lack of acceptance or understanding.
The guide’s content has a strong evidence base, referencing independent research commissioned by Just Like Us on family life for LGBTQ+ young people, including its Positive Futures and Growing up LGBT+ reports.
Jonathan Bailey, actor and patron of Just Like Us, said: “As parents you want the best for your children – you want them to feel safe, be confident, and thrive. Any home can welcome in a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
“There should be no shame in parents not understanding or knowing how best to support their LGBTQ+ children and their straight children to be allies – only shame in parents who don’t endeavour to protect, nurture, and celebrate their LGBTQ+ children. Just Like Us is doing the incredible work of offering our parents’ generation an education that wasn’t available to them when they were young.”
