LGBTQ+
Coming out - advice and guidance for parents
As a parent, you may have understandable questions or concerns if you think that your child might be lesbian, gay, bi and/or trans (LGBT).
Support if your child comes out as trans
Gendered Intelligence works with the trans community and those who have an impact on trans lives. They specialise in supporting young trans people aged 8 to 25.
If you are a parent with a child who feels at odds with their birth gender, or you want to learn more about gender dysphoria or transgender, cross gender and non-binary gender issues, the following sites will be able to assist:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/sex-relationships/gender-identity/
https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/what-we-do/about-what-we-do
https://www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/resources/toolkits-booklets-guides
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/supporting-young-people/lgbtq
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gender-dysphoria/treatment/
https://www.youngmings.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/gender-identity/
Puberty Blockers
Following a ruling by the High Court in 2020, NHS England require trans children and young people aged under 16 using the Tavistock clinic’s Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) to obtain a court order before being prescribed puberty blockers. We’re aware that this has raised some questions for local authorities, children and young people’s organisations, schools, LGBTQ+ youth groups, and parents and carers, so we wanted to share our Stonewall statement on the High Court ruling on puberty blockers with you.
For decades, puberty blockers have been used to pause puberty for children experiencing precocious puberty. They also play a vital role in helping to alleviate the distress many trans children and young people experience and offer much-needed time for questioning children and young people to explore their identity. Denying this vital support is not a neutral act and can be deeply harmful to trans children and young people. We’re getting in touch with all of our stakeholders to let you know that, as always, we’re here for you and the children and young people you support.
This news is going to be incredibly tough to hear for trans children, young people and their families, whether or not they are directly affected by it. Many trans children, young people and their families are being left with unanswered questions about what will happen to the support they need. While this ruling does not mean that trans under-16s or under-18s in England and Wales cannot be prescribed puberty blockers moving forward, it does mean that in practice they are likely to need permission from a court to do so. We’re concerned that this will significantly extend the already long waits that trans children and young people experience when seeking specialist support, with the added risk of increasing the strain on mental health services and the court system.
We know that you want to provide the best possible support for trans children and young people and we want to reassure you that we’re here to help you do that. You can read Stonewall’s response here. Stonewall is working to ensure NHS England provide clarity about how trans children, young people and families can continue to access care.
Our Introduction to Supporting LGBT Children and Young People guide also provides lots of useful advice on supporting trans children and young people. Please refer to our resources which we will keep updated as clarity is provided, and our e-learning on supporting LGBT young people’s mental health is available and might be of use at this time.
The Proud Trust
A lifesaving and life-enhancing organisation that helps LGBT+ young people empower themselves, to make a positive change for themselves, and their communities.
https://www.theproudtrust.org/
LGBT+ Guide for Parents 
Just like us- The LGBT+ Young people's charity have produced their first-ever Guide for parents. Whether your child is LGBT+ or not, this guide will help you become a better ally. It answers the most common questions straight parents ask about LGBT+ topics.
The guide has been created in collaboration with more than 100 parents and LGBT+ young people and includes stories from families across the UK.
Click here to see the LGBT+ Guide for Parents
Click here to listen to Just Like Us's Pod-cast
List of LGBTQ+ Terms
Not sure what language to use to refer to the LGBTQ+ community, or how to define a key term? Check out this handy list.
Useful helplines and websites
While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.
Mindline Trans+
An emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as transgender, non-binary, genderfluid (or their family members, friends, colleagues and carers).
Find information about call costs.
Opening times:
8pm - Midnight, Mondays & Fridays
Gendered Intelligence
Works with the transgender community, with an emphasis on supporting young trans people aged 8-25.
Has free resources for trans and gender-questioning young people and their families.
Switchboard
Offers confidential support and advice to members of the LGBT+ community.
Free webchat service also available.
Opening times:
10am - 10pm, 365 days a year
Galop
A dedicated LGBT+ anti-violence charity.
Gives advice and support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or domestic abuse.
Opening times:
10am - 5pm, Monday - Friday (Open until 8pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Pink Therapy
Provides an online directory of therapists who work with gender and sexual diversity clients across the LGBTQ+ spectrum from a non-judgmental standpoint.
Stonewall
Provides information and signposting for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) young people as well as parents/carers and schools.
Phone lines are voicemail only, with an adviser calling back within three days. Email service available.
Opening times:
9:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday
Tagged under: parents, carers, coming out, LGBTQ, trans, transgender, gender, identity, Stonewall, puberty blockers, non-binary, children, teens, tweens, teenagers, young people, cross gender, Gendered Intelligence, LGBT+,
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