7/3/2020 • Audio
Jen and Sydney Hatmaker On Being Gay and Loved
Christian author Jen Hatmaker and her gay daughter talk about growing up Christian and gay, the faith struggle Sydney experienced, and where they are now as a family.
View ResourceOur Story
“Mom, will you still love me? Will you always love me?”
That is every child’s greatest need — and greatest fear. That question is more important than the words “I’m gay” or “I’m trans”.
That question started a journey for our founder, Janet Duke — to keep her child safe, to deal with her own fear and worry, and eventually to help countless parents navigate the upheaval that occurs when a child comes out.
Watch Video
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“Shame needs three things to grow ... secrecy, silence and judgment.”
Listening to Shame, TED 2012 (march 2012)
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“This moment of coming out to parents is a crossroads in the life of an LGBTQ person and the parent response is a major predictor for the child’s future drug use, homelessness and suicide attempts.”
Family Acceptance Project, San Francisco State University
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“You can be your child’s anchor, their safeplace. Don’t ever drop your end of the rope.”
drphil.com
Stories
Our family has developed a closeness that is amazing...We also have gained a new relationship with our God that is closer than ever.
Christian Family Leans on Faith
“I was devastated when my child came out, but through time, patience and a lot of prayer, I’m finally to the point where I can accept my child. It’s been hard, but so worth it to keep my family intact.”
A Mother From Arkansas
"Be brave and proud. You were born this way and God loves you just the way you are."
A Mother From Pennsylvania
"I was aware that many in our culture and in the church were not accepting of LGBTQ persons, so I was concerned what the future might hold for her."
Father and Pastor
I did a lot of grieving over the loss of the image I had of my only son in my mind and heart. (Transgender story.)
Daughter Overcomes Suffering
Stories
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Our family has developed a closeness that is amazing...We also have gained a new relationship with our God that is closer than ever.
Christian Family Leans on Faith
-
“I was devastated when my child came out, but through time, patience and a lot of prayer, I’m finally to the point where I can accept my child. It’s been hard, but so worth it to keep my family intact.”
A Mother From Arkansas
-
"Be brave and proud. You were born this way and God loves you just the way you are."
A Mother From Pennsylvania
-
"I was aware that many in our culture and in the church were not accepting of LGBTQ persons, so I was concerned what the future might hold for her."
Father and Pastor
-
I did a lot of grieving over the loss of the image I had of my only son in my mind and heart. (Transgender story.)
Daughter Overcomes Suffering
Featured Resources
June 2008 • Video
Anyone and Everyone (Documentary)
Parents from across the United States share intimate accounts of struggling with the pain and challenges of their child coming out. From diverse geography, cultures and backgrounds, they reveal common threads in the parent experience.
View Resource11.05.2019 • Blog
How to Have a More Meaningful Holiday
Bring your LGBTQ loved ones home, bring their friends as well, and start building new memories around family and holidays.
View ResourceCommunity Forum
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View our forum where you can ask questions of others.
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A simple, personal action we invite you to take is to share the story of your child coming out to you. This has several benefits: it’s completely private, it helps you practice telling your story and it becomes a resource for others. Click here to share: https://buff.ly/2WuSqjA