Navigating the terrain of communication with your child is a process that can evolve as they grow and develop. Parents often struggle to adapt to the ever-changing needs of their child. Strategies that have worked well in the past may not work as well in the present.
View ResourceIt’s easy to solely focus on your child exploring their gender or sexual orientation instead of getting curious with yourself about these topics. As your child practices reflecting on who they are, I encourage parents to do the same.
View ResourceFrom his childhood as a scared kid who suppressed his identity to being a happily-married gay man decades later, SFA board member Scott Collen openly and honestly shares his story as an encouraging message to other LGBTQ+ people: it will get better!
View ResourceShow support on October 12th, National Parents Coming Out Day. Held the day after National Coming Out Day on October 11th, it’s a day when parents and allies can come out in support of LGBTQ+ children.
View ResourceMake it a habit to touch base with your child. Try to be consistent. It’s important to routinely check in with them to talk about what kind of support they need.
View ResourceJune is Pride Month, which often makes people think about bright, colorful parades and dancing in the streets. If that's not really your cup of tea, don't worry. There are many other ways to support your LGBTQ child.
View ResourceIn 2008, a group of allies and activists created International Lesbian Visibility Day to raise awareness about the issues that lesbians face all over the world.
View ResourceIn today’s blog, an SFA board member shares her personal experience with parenting a gay child and how she discovers that, contrary to popular belief, there is a place in the church for LGBTQ+ Christians.
View ResourceJune is Pride Month, a great opportunity to celebrate your unique, beautiful LGBTQ+ child. Today we’ll share some suggestions for parents who want to show support but aren’t sure where to start.
View ResourceOne of the unique things about the Strong Family Alliance website is our collection of first-hand accounts written by parents of LGBTQ+ children. These stories are valuable on many levels for both their authors and readers. The act of writing the stories is often cathartic for struggling parents, and reading about others’ experiences is empowering and inspiring for families of LGBTQ+ kids.
View ResourceFor LGBTQ+ youth, playing sports can be tricky. On one hand, participating could be beneficial to your child and give them a sense of belonging.
View ResourceSending a child off to college is a big, emotional step for any family. We hope these tips will help ease the transition and make sure you and your LGBTQ+ child have a fulfilling and positive experience.
View ResourceThe recent flood of anti-LGBTQ policy in states all over the U.S., specifically the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida, might have you and your child worried about going back to school. You’re not alone, we’re worried too about what they might face and what the future holds.
View ResourceNational Coming Out Day, observed on October 11th, is a great time to think about ways to support your LGBTQ+ child.
View ResourceSFA board member and mom of three reflects on the extra-heavy burden of worry that parents of LGBTQ+ children unfairly have to carry, and the beauty that is often born from that struggle.
View ResourceIn all 50 states, transgender individuals are legally allowed to change the gender on their driver’s license. But the process can be challenging especially for legal documents and records. Here are some tips.
View ResourceFamilies of gay kids were once seen as the enemy by support groups. That’s changing. It can take parents time to adjust but their support makes all the difference.
Washington Post ArticleMost LGBTQ patients report discrimination from medical providers. Find inclusive medical resources in this report HRC report listing over 100's facilities in 46 states.
View ResourceIf you are a parent whose child just came out, you may be struggling or wondering how to respond. We are parents too and want to help you through this crossroads. Coming out is a process that takes time, both for the LGBTQ person and their families.
View ResourceMany parents of LGBTQ children feel an overwhelming sense of fear for their kids’ safety. Fear of the challenges they face at school, in the workplace, and in the community. While that fear is completely understandable, your child is counting on you to help make their world less scary.
View ResourceGreaterThan.org provides the best and latest information about HIV prevention, testing, treatment and more. Designed to work across mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop computers, the site is easy-to-navigate with fact-driven content.
View ResourceLet’s face it, this isn’t the “most wonderful time of the year” for a lot of LGBTQ people and their families. Holidays can be a joyful and beautiful time of family togetherness, but if you’re a parent struggling with the news that your child is LGBTQ, this season can be overwhelming.
View ResourceA popular YouTube series from Greater Than AIDS gives frank, no-nonsense answers to commonly asked questions about HIV. Also available at #AskTheHIVDoc
View ResourceThere’s something exciting and inspiring about the beginning of a new year, full of possibilities. It gives us a great opportunity to do a reset and evaluate how things are going. We’re sharing these 5 New Year’s resolutions that will make your family stronger than ever.
View ResourceIf your child recently came out as LGBTQ, the idea of them dating might make you pretty uncomfortable. Actually meeting your child’s significant other may make you feel nervous and awkward. We offer tips that may be helpful.
View ResourceI know this feeling of fear and nervousness is common. For parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender students the excitement of a new school year can be accompanied by anxiety and fear.
View ResourceAt Strong Family Alliance our overarching mission has always been to save lives and preserve families. More research comes out all the time to support what we hear over and over again from youth and their loved ones: family acceptance of LGBTQ children is the best way to keep them safe.
View ResourceIn this article we’ll cover some of the basics about what it means to be transgender, provide some concrete examples, discuss some of the challenges parents face when their child comes out as trans, and provide specific questions that can help navigate the process in a respectful and loving way.
View ResourceHelp your child believe in and build a strong new life. The understanding, communication and support you give helps them dream new dreams.
View ResourceThis Centers for Disease Control site contains information and extensive links for health issues and risk prevention. Contents are segmented by audience (gay, lesbian, youth, etc.). A strong resource for current health info and research.
View ResourceGender transition involves a variety of medical, social, and legal steps that vary by individual situation and goals. This article provides info on types of treatment (from hormones to surgery), legal steps, possible costs, and links to additional resources.
View ResourceYou may not be able to change another parent's mind, but you can model respect and acceptance, for both kids. And your child will be watching every step of the way.
View ResourceThis CDC annual survey of LGBT youth risks, experiences and health with suggestions for how schools and parents can help. It includes a wealth of links to additional resources as well.
View ResourceBullying is far more likely to impact lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students compared to heterosexual kids. This report offers both statistics and guidance for schools, with links to more resources for educators and parents.
View ResourceA gender 101 for everyone, this 90-page fully illustrated book represents countless hours of research, more than 200 questionnaires, and dozens of one-on-one interviews with members of the communities depicted. An excellent introduction for all ages, excellent for family sharing or an introduction to gender.
View ResourceAs a Strong Family Alliance´s board member Dr. Shailagh Clarke states that parents are a powerful force and an important factor on a children's life.
Watch NowThe LGBT community is more targeted by attacks than any other group.This article addresses common myths and slurs with facts and research.
View ResourceA guide to financial aid for LGBTQ college students from scholarships to options like fellowships, work/study, grants and loans.
View ResourceFrom Glennon Doyle Melton, a touching and humorous essay on bullying that ends with her letter. This is an encouraging article that leads with love.
View ResourceThough not LGBTQ specific, this Chamber of Commerce site offers background information on scholarships in general, how to apply, and provides a listing of numerous scholarships for specific areas of study.
View ResourceGoing beyond ‘I love you” means more than love and affection. It means getting in the trenches and trying to help others grow in acceptance and understanding.
View ResourceShame is an unspoken epidemic, the secret behind many forms of broken behavior. Brené Brown explores what can happen when people confront their shame head-on.
Watch NowA compelling and beautifully made HBO Films that captures the journey of four families over the course of five years and helps humanize the experiences of transgender youth and their families.
View ResourceA humorous but highly informative talk on the genders, snap judgments, identity, and assumptions. Some graphic language.
Watch NowA memoir about coming to terms with being gay and Christian. Start from the beginning if you can, but if you have time for only one episode, make it #29, Lifeboats.
View ResourceParents 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.
Watch Now (56 min.)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.
Podcast - Listen NowBring your LGBTQ loved ones home, bring their friends as well, and start building new memories around family and holidays.
View ResourceResearch finds it takes around 2 years for parents to find it less difficult to accept their LGBTQ child.
View ResourceA resource guide for families of transgender youth providing information on family, social, legal, and medical considerations. An excellent primer for parents.
View ResourceIn a video viewed over 28 million times, Brown talks about vulnerability and the desire for authenticity. This topic can help parents understand how vulnerable a child is when coming out and that a desire for authenticity may be the child's key motivation.
Watch Now (20 min)Information and resources for LGBTQ college students. Suggestions on colleges, scholarships, planning and considerations.
View ResourceGlennon Doyle Melton's podcast on wrestling with faith issues, church vs God, and her response to the statement “I disagree with your lifestyle, but I love you anyway.”
View ResourceIf your child recently came out to you as LGBTQ, you may be wondering who else they told and how they’re dealing with the coming out process. For students who are newly out, going back to school can be an intimidating and confusing time and they’ll need your love and support more than ever.
View ResourceA father shares his experience and advises "...listen to your kids, honor their feelings and show you respect them."
Read the Article"I still think that I maybe at some point I must have done something wrong. Perhaps it would have made a difference if I had painted her room pink or had her watch more Disney princesses."
View ResourceAfter a child comes out, some questions have one solid, certain, no-question-about-it answer.
View ResourceIn recent months my lesbian daughter has commented she felt this growing counterflow to acceptance...I was hoping it wasn't true, but it appears it is.
View ResourceCan Pride Month remind parents of ways to show pride in their own child?
View ResourceHow families respond when youth come out during adolescence can have a powerful impact on young people’s health and well-being. According to groundbreaking research from the Family Acceptance Project, family support is crucial.
Read ArticleThis brief report introduces the major areas in which transgender Americans face legal barriers to fully participating in life and provides a summary of what advocates are doing to work for change.
View ResourceWhen a person transitions, the whole family transitions, they say. Adjusting to a new name, different pronouns, and changing family identity is something we are still getting used to.
View ResourceThe National Depression Hotline is a nationwide resource for people struggling with depression. If you or a loved one recognize depression or anxiety, reach out and take advantage of the resources available to you. They can also provide guidance to help someone else.
View ResourceInformational resources for nonbinary youth about navigating gender diversity to help build a positive self-image and positive mental health. Articles and podcasts are grouped by topic and include information for teens. parents and clinicians.
View ResourceIn Britain, a 78 year old gay man talks with a 13 year old gay boy about their experiences. Their contrasting stories reflect both changes in society and things they personally have in common despite their age difference.
View ResourceSavannah, 12, made a decision that she was going to come out as lesbian at her Mormon Church during her personal testimony. The article and attached video show her experience.
View ResourceModern Military Association of America represents the U.S. LGBT military community worldwide to educate the community, provide legal services, provide developmental opportunities, support members and local chapters, communicate effectively, and work towards equality for all.
View ResourceIf you are a parent whose child just came out, you may be struggling or wondering how to respond. We are parents too and want to help you through this crossroads and find a hopeful path for your family.
Watch NowAll the love you've given away will find its way back to you. Thanks to all who supported NPCOD, thank you for your love messages, that motivate us to keep going! Strong Family Alliance is proud to have real allies.
Watch NowJanet Duke, the founder of the Strong Family Alliance, shares some thoughts and tips from her experience as a mother of an LGBTQ child.
Watch NowGraphics on key summary points and links to entire report and materials. Results show risks of violence and bullying are generally double that of heterosexual teens.
View ResourceAssociated Press article from Feb. 2017 concerning reserach at Johns Hopkins’ Bloomberg School of Public Health and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association magazine "Pediatrics"
View ResourceKaren Thompson is a Christian Minister who encourages people to show in words and actions that LGBTQ children are loved by their families and by God.
Watch NowA heartfelt letter about her experiences as the mother of a homosexual son two heterosexual boys. "
View ResourceJo Ivester tells us about her son’s Jeremy 20-year process of acceptance, coming out and transformation.
Watch NowImportant advice for parents from a psychologist and researcher.
View ResourceWhether your teen is coming out or just curious, they’re likely to have many questions about LGBTQ issues. Here are definitions, information and tips for talking with your teen about identity.
View ResourceEpisode from a blog/podcast series about a Christian man coming to terms with being gay. He reflects on the difficulty of coming out, family reactions and what words can mean in saving lives.
View ResourceA painful look at the struggle of coming out to parents, the struggle to speak and the sometimes struggle to survive rejection. Ends with suggestions to parents on how to react in love.
View ResourceThis New York Times audio / video blog let's teens tell their own stories about coming out through a combination of essays and video. The stories provide a touching insight to the teen LGBTQ experience, fears, and struggles.
Watch Now"I thought God wanted to use me to show gay people how to be straight. Instead, God used gay people to show me how to be Christian." Rachel Held Evans' commencement address do-over.
View ResourceShort tutorial about gender diversity, language, meanings and trans concerns.
Watch NowCommentary from an evangelical church that decided to reach out and embrace the LGBTQ community
Watch NowMatthew Vines speaks on the theological debate regarding the Bible and the role of gay Christians in the church. He describes his deep love of and research into the Bible, what it says about homosexuality, and his journey of belief.
View ResourceA mom talks about her struggle as a Christian to accept her transgender daughter.
Watch NowGood parenting practices apply when your child is LGBT as well. Here are suggestions for monitoring any teen youth.
View ResourceIt's hard to celebrate press coverage when it is precipitated by tragedy.
View ResourceA Guide to LGBTQ youth in schools for educators and parents. How to protect your child and work to make your school safe with specific steps to develop healthy, nurturing school environments for LGBTQ students.
View ResourceWe hope this website can reach every community and any parent searching online in a sleepless night.
View ResourceOver half of LGBTQ Americans experience violence, threats or harassment. 2017 poll results from NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Read the Poll SummaryMy journey was one revelation after another about thoughts and beliefs I never questioned before.
View ResourceTo avoid rejection takes a far more difficult goal – changing actions and eventually minds.
View Resource