Resources for Families of LGBTQ Youth [web resource][downloadable]

UPDATE with this page: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/lgbtqia2s-resources

The following websites and downloadable resources were assembled by the Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 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.

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.

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.

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 Help for Families, Friends and Allies, and Be Not Afraid: Help Is on the Way! (PDF – 2,140).

Resources for families of transgender youth

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.

Support for Transgender People and Their Families
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.

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Do you need someone to talk to? CHC Care Coordinators can arrange a free 30-minute Care Consultation so you can explore options with an expert. Call or email our Care Coordinators at 650.688.3625 or careteam@testing.chconline.org to set up an initial Consultation appointment.