Parents and caregivers face unique challenges when their child comes out as a sexual and/or gender minority. It is important, now more than ever, for parents to be affirming adults for SGM youth, as we witness a political climate that is increasingly polarized with regards to the existence of, and healthcare supports for, 2SLGBTQI people. SGM youth in Canada are subject to increased risk of mental illness and suicidality. According to data drawn from the 2018 edition of the British Columbia Adolescent Health Report, both sexual minority and gender minority youth continue to rate their mental health significantly lower on average than their heterosexual and cisgender peers Research has consistently found that parental support is a significant predictor of improved psychological wellbeing among SGM youth, as well as reduced likelihood of victimization from peers
This literature review provides a brief overview of the experiences and challenges of parents and caregivers who are affirming adults for sexual and/or gender minority youth.
This literature review also details:
- how and where parents and caregivers access information about SGM identities
- parents’ experiences with isolation, community, and stigma
- how parents and caregivers manage their own emotions and reactions; how parents engage in advocacy and activism
- what it means to be an affirming adult.
See Related Resource
Acknowledgements
This literature review was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada