Listening to shame

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."

02/18/20 • Articles & News

Healthcare Equality Index

Most LGBTQ patients report discrimination from medical providers. Find inclusive medical resources in this report HRC report listing over 100's facilities in 46 states.

03.01.2018 • Blog

An anonymous letter from a struggling mama

"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."

06.08.2017 • Blog

What Do I Do? Making Choices in Uncharted Territory

After a child comes out, some questions have one solid, certain, no-question-about-it answer.

10.09.2021 • Blog

Testimony from a non-binary teen

If 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.

11.06.2021 • Blog

Why You Should Speak Up for LGBTQ People (and How to Do It)

Many 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.

Articles & News

We Are > AIDS

GreaterThan.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.

12.07.2021 • Blog

How to enjoy the holidays with your LGBTQ child

Let’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.

Video

Ask the HIV Doc

A popular YouTube series from Greater Than AIDS gives frank, no-nonsense answers to commonly asked questions about HIV. Also available at #AskTheHIVDoc

01.24.2023 • Blog

What Should I Do When My Child Doesn’t Want to Talk? A Three-Part Series

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.

06.04.2018 • Blog

Hard News: LGBTQ People Feel Increased Discrimination

In 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.

01.07.2022 • Blog

5 New Year’s Resolutions for a Strong Family

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. We’re sharing these 5 New Year’s resolutions that will make your family stronger than ever.

07.12.2019 • Blog

For Parents During Pride Month

Can Pride Month remind parents of ways to show pride in their own child?

02.11.2022 • Blog

Meeting your LGBTQ child’s significant other

If 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.

June 24, 2016 • Articles & News

Family Acceptance the Biggest Factor for Positive LGBTQ Outcomes

How 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.

08.21.2018 •

Back to School – Tips for Parents

I 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.

February 2015 • Articles & News

Understanding Issues Facing Transgender Americans

This 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.

02.23.2023 • Blog

What Should I Do When My Child Doesn’t Want to Talk? A Three-Part Series

It’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.

11.21.2022 • Blog

My Way: Finding Acceptance and Love after Years of Denial

From 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!

03.05.2022 • Blog

Accepting Your LGBTQ Child Could Save Their Life

At 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.

09.30.2022 • Blog

National Parents Coming Out Day: From One Parent to Another

Show 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. 

03.21.2023 • Blog

What Should I Do When My Child Doesn’t Want to Talk? Part 3

Make 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.

May 4, 2017 • Articles & News

Letting Go Of My Daughter To Make Way For My Son

When 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.

04.04.2022 • Blog

4 Supportive Questions to Ask Your Trans Child

In 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.

Articles & News

The National Depression Hotline

The 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.

02.11.2020 • Blog

A Valentine for Your LGBTQ Child: Move Beyond “I Love you”

Help your child believe in and build a strong new life. The understanding, communication and support you give helps them dream new dreams.

10/10/2022 • Articles & News

44 Self-Esteem Resources for Nonbinary Adolescents and Teens

Informational 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.

2/10/22 • Articles & News

CDC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health

This 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.

July 8, 2017 • Video

Coming Out Then and Now

In 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.

June 20, 2017 • Articles & News

Coming Out as Mormon and Gay

Savannah, 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.

2/23/2020 •

Cost of Transition

Gender 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.

06.08.2022 • Blog

3 Ways to Show Pride for Your Child This Month

June 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.

04.24.2023 • Blog

4 Reasons Why We Need Lesbian Visibility Day

In 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.

11/7/2022 • Articles & News

Modern Military Association

Modern 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.

02.06.2019 • Blog

Teen Dating: Should I tell another parent my child is LGBTQ?

You 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.

June 2017 • Articles & News

CDC Survey of LGBT Youth Health

This 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.

Strong Family Alliance • Video

So Your Child Just Came Out

If 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.

Strong Family Alliance • Video

When You Find Loving LGBTQ Allies

All 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.

Sept 2021 • Articles & News

LGBTQ Students Face Risks in School

Bullying 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.

Strong Family Alliance • Video

Providing Loving Support to Your LGBTQ Child – Janet Duke

Janet Duke, the founder of the Strong Family Alliance, shares some thoughts and tips from her experience as a mother of an LGBTQ child.

Aug 2016 • Articles & News

CDC National Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual High School Students’ Health

Graphics 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.

Articles & News

Legal same-sex marriage tied to fewer suicide tries

Associated 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"

10/9/17 • Book

The Gender Book

A 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.

Strong Family Alliance • Video

How Parents Can Build a Safe and Accepting Relationship With Their LGBTQ Child

As 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.

Articles & News

10 Anti-Gay Myths Debunked

The LGBT community is more targeted by attacks than any other group.This article addresses common myths and slurs with facts and research.

Articles & News

The Genderbread Person

Confused 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.

Strong Family Alliance • Video

How a Community of Faith Can Respond To Its LGBTQ Members

Karen 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.

A Helping Hand: Scholarships and Financial Aid for LGBTQ

A guide to financial aid for LGBTQ college students from scholarships to options like fellowships, work/study, grants and loans.

Articles & News

Sally Field’s impassioned open letter about her gay son

A heartfelt letter about her experiences as the mother of a homosexual son two heterosexual boys. "

Strong Family Alliance • Video

Once a Girl, Always a Boy – Conversation with Author Jo Ivester

Jo Ivester tells us about her son’s Jeremy 20-year process of acceptance, coming out and transformation.

10.25.2022 • Blog

Struggle and Triumph

In 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.

Articles & News

Glennon Doyle Melton on What She’d Say to Her Son if He Was Gay

From Glennon Doyle Melton, a touching and humorous essay on bullying that ends with her letter. This is an encouraging article that leads with love.

05.25.2023 • Blog

4 Ways that Supportive Parents Show Pride for Their LGBTQ+ Kids

June 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.

Articles & News

What to Do When Your Child Says: “I’m Gay!”

Important advice for parents from a psychologist and researcher.

8/4/22 •

Financing College

Though 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.

Articles & News

Talking with Your High School Teen About Identity

Whether 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.

Articles & News

Ideas on what to say to your child when they come out

Episode 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.

09.27.2019 • Blog

Parents and Coming Out of the ‘Second Closet’

Going 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.

Articles & News

Here’s What We Know About the Science of Sexual Orientation

A 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.

Video

Audio/photo blog interviewing teens about their coming out experience.

This 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.

Articles & News

A Commencement Address Do-Over

"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.

FeaturedVideo

Listening to shame

Shame 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.

Video

Ellen DeGeneres’ inspiring speech to LGBTQ youth

An amusing speech by a well known lesbian celebrity. However, her more serious story starts about 3:40 on the recording.

06.27.2023 • Blog

“I’m Glad My Child Came Out”: Parent Perspectives

One 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. 

Video

Sally Field shares her love for her Openly Gay Son with Oprah

Oprah interviews Sally Field on her personal story

Video

Dolly Parton Scolds Anti-Gay Christians: “We’re Not God… We’re Supposed To Love One Another” – The WOW Report

Dolly's interview on Larry King and her comments on why she supports LGBTQ despite criticism.

Video

Transhood

A 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.

Video

Understanding the Complexities of Gender: Sam Killermann at TEDxUofIChicago

A humorous but highly informative talk on the genders, snap judgments, identity, and assumptions. Some graphic language.

FeaturedVideo

Trans 101 – The Basics

Short tutorial about gender diversity, language, meanings and trans concerns.

Aug 2018 •

The Human Empathy Project

Free counseling around matters of Christian faith, gender and sexuality are offered in person or via Skype for pastors, parents, leadership teams and congregations.

Video

A Message from the Elder Team of Denver Community Chuch

Commentary from an evangelical church that decided to reach out and embrace the LGBTQ community

Video

The Gay Debate: The Bible and Homosexuality

Matthew 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.

Video

Texas mom’s faith is tested by her child’s transgender journey

A mom talks about her struggle as a Christian to accept her transgender daughter.

Articles & News

Monitoring Your Teens Activities: What Parents Should Know

Good parenting practices apply when your child is LGBT as well. Here are suggestions for monitoring any teen youth.

07.24.2023 • Blog

Does Your LGBTQ+ Child Love Sports? Here’s How to Help Them Get in The Game

For LGBTQ+ youth, playing sports can be tricky. On one hand, participating could be beneficial to your child and give them a sense of belonging.

Audio

44-Episode Southern Coming Out Story

A 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.

11.26.2017 • Articles & News

A Sad Reality on Strong Family Alliance Press Coverage

It's hard to celebrate press coverage when it is precipitated by tragedy.

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.

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.

08.23.2023 • Blog

5 Ways Parents Can Support Their LGBTQ+ College Student

Sending 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.

Articles & News

Out, Safe and Respected

A 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.

08.18.2022 • Blog

4 Rights Your Child Has at School That You May Not Know About

The 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.

11.05.2019 • 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.

10.04.2019 • Articles & NewsBlog

Understanding builds over time

Research finds it takes around 2 years for parents to find it less difficult to accept their LGBTQ child.

Families In Transition Guide

A resource guide for families of transgender youth providing information on family, social, legal, and medical considerations. An excellent primer for parents.

June 2010 • Video

The Power of Vulnerability

In 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.

06.06.2017 • Blog

Why This Website?

We hope this website can reach every community and any parent searching online in a sleepless night.

11/21/2017 • Articles & News

LGBTQ Americans Report Harassment & Violence

Over 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.

12.21.2022 • Blog

The Club of Worried Parents

SFA 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.

06.07.2017 • Blog

It’s Hard

My journey was one revelation after another about thoughts and beliefs I never questioned before.

8/11/22 •

How to Change Gender on Driver’s License or Legal Documents

In 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.

Oct. 2017 • Articles & News

LGBTQ College Resource Student Guide

Information and resources for LGBTQ college students. Suggestions on colleges, scholarships, planning and considerations.

8/11/21 • Audio

Queer Freedom: How can we be both held and free?

Glennon 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.”

August 2019 • Articles & News

Parents are shifting from critics to allies for LGBTQ children

Families 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.

• Blog

Leading with Love for a Child Coming Out

To avoid rejection takes a far more difficult goal – changing actions and eventually minds.

09.24.2021 • Blog

Coming out at school

If 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.