Feb. 20, 2018 • Articles & News
Dad of 12-year-old transgender child: ‘He’s trying to be his best self’
A father shares his experience and advises "...listen to your kids, honor their feelings and show you respect them."
Read the ArticleA father shares his experience and advises "...listen to your kids, honor their feelings and show you respect them."
Read the ArticleMost LGBTQ patients report discrimination from medical providers. Find inclusive medical resources in this report HRC report listing over 400 facilities in 46 states.
View Resource"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 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 ResourceWe are proud to share with you that we have earned the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar -- the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations.
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 ResourceThe Biden Foundation and YMCA of America launch a new initiative to foster LGBTQ inclusion and equality through local YMCA programming.
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 ResourceRecent research from a Harris Poll survey shows acceptance of LGBTQ people is slipping and discrimination is increasing for the first time in decades. Read "Accelerating Acceptance 2018".
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 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 ResourceYou know what the best thing about 2021 was? That it ended… Just kidding. We imagine that 2021 has its ups and downs for you as it did for us here at Strong Family Alliance. But the pandemic has made everything especially challenging, so it’s kind of a relief to say goodbye to 2021. And there’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.
View ResourceCan Pride Month remind parents of ways to show pride in their own child?
View ResourceFebruary is a month that makes people think about love and romance, but if your child recently came out as LGBTQ, the idea of them dating might make you pretty uncomfortable. And if the very idea makes you feel nervous and awkward, then actually meeting your child’s significant other is probably not something you’re prepared to do.
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 ArticleI 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 ResourceThis 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 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 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 ResourceBeing an ally of an LGBTQ friend or family member comes with its own set of challenges. How do you empathize, for example, if you can't even begin to relate to what they're going through?
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 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 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 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 ResourceOutServe-SLDN 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 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 ResourceThe 2017 update to this CDC annual survey of LGBT youth risks, experiences and health with suggestions for how schools and parents can help.
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 NowBullying and homelessness are far more likely to impact lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning students compared to heterosexual kids, an NYC report shows.
View ResourceJanet Duke, the founder of the Strong Family Alliance, shares some thoughts and tips from her experience as a mother of an LGBTQ child.
Watch NowA excellent 35-minute documentary focused on the struggle of parents to accept their child, and the benefits of leading with love. It addresses many parent struggles and questions through the voices of parents, youth and researchers.
View ResourceJessica Soukup talks about her idea of social transition and actions that need to be taken to be a better and stronger ally for transgender people, from the point of view of a 50-year-old transgender woman.
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 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 ResourceConfused on terms? This helpful summary and explanation uses graphics and essays to explain the differences in gender identity, gender expression, and biological sex. Includes a helpful one page summary graphic.
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 NowTouching and humorous, an essay on bullying that ends with her letter.
View ResourceImportant 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 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 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 ResourceWenger was removed as a pastor for performing the marriage of his gay son. He offers us all a lesson in Christian love of both family and the church.
View ResourceA counselor with a practice that specializes in gender, sexuality & relationships give an essay response to a letter.
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 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 NowAn amusing speech by a well known lesbian celebrity. However, her more serious story starts about 3:40 on the recording.
Watch NowOprah interviews Sally Field on her personal story
Watch NowDolly's interview on Larry King and her comments on why she supports LGBTQ despite criticism.
Watch NowA humorous but highly informative talk on the genders, snap judgments, identity, and assumptions. Some graphic language.
Watch NowShort tutorial about gender diversity, language, meanings and trans concerns.
Watch NowFree counseling around matters of Christian faith, gender and sexuality are offered in person or via Skype for pastors, parents, leadership teams and congregations.
View ResourceCommentary from an evangelical church that decided to reach out and embrace the LGBTQ community
Watch NowA gay Chistian man describes his deep love of and research into the Bible, what it
View ResourceA mom talks about her struggle as a Christian to accept her transgender daughter.
Watch NowEssay on terms Christians misuse about LGBT such as choice, love the sinner hate the sin, etc.
Watch NowA personal blog focused on help ingtrans Christians find hope at the intersection of their identity and their faith through the study of biblical texts, and through life-giving conversation.
Watch NowGood parenting practices apply when your child is LGBT as well. Here are suggestions for monitoring any teen youth.
View ResourceHartke writes on the intersection of faith and sexuality and seeks to understand, interpret, and share parts of the Bible that relate to gender identity and the lives of transgender individuals.
View ResourceA writer and speaker advocating for change in how faith communities engage with LGBT people, Mathias Roberts hosts podcasts from a wide variety of speakers on topics of faith and belief.
View ResourceA 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 ResourceIt's hard to celebrate press coverage when it is precipitated by tragedy.
View Resource“Generous Orthodoxy” is the story of Chester Wenger, a 98-year-old Mennonite minister who lost his pastorate when he performed a marriage for his gay son. Wenger offers all of us a master class in the art of dissent.
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 NowA 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 ResourceBring 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)We 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 ResourceIn all 50 states, transgender individuals are legally allowed to change the gender on their driver’s license. But the process can be challenging. Here are some tips.
View ResourceInformation 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 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 ArticleTo avoid rejection takes a far more difficult goal – changing actions and eventually minds.
View ResourceWhen we founded a nonprofit to help save LGBTQ lives and preserve their families, it gave me a feeling so entirely different and yet so valuable - HOPE.
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 Resource