Advocating For LGBTQIA Youth – Pride 2023 – NeuroBehavioral Associates

It’s June, and you know what that means! It’s Pride month!

During the month of June, we celebrate the triumphs and wins of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is a sector of the population that has been through extreme hardship when it comes to equal treatment and rights. While we have made strides in advocating for equality, there is still so much more we can do. As a parent of LGBTQIA+ youth, this month may feel more special than the rest. For your child, this is a time to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

In this article, we will explore ways in which you can advocate for your LGBTQIA+ child during pride month and every month.

Finding Support In the Classroom

It is likely that your child spends most of their days in a classroom surrounded by teachers and peers. Growing up can present a slew of social and emotional challenges for any child, but the process of becoming accepted and included is even more frustrating for LGBTQIA+ children.

One of the best things that you can do as a parent is to advocate for your child in the classroom. Do not wait until an issue or circumstance arises in order to take action. Be in communication with your child’s teacher so that you can feel confident going to them to share the needs of your child. Growing up is hard, but you can be your child’s biggest advocate!

Seeking Therapy Early-On

To the same tune of taking action early on, be sure to seek therapy for your child sooner rather than later. The truth is, LGBTQIA+ youth and adults are more likely to suffer from mental health challenges and even substance abuse disorders. (1)

To help your child learn healthy ways to navigate life and cope as an LGBTQIA+ individual, enrolling them in therapy is a great first step. As a parent, you can also attend the sessions to learn a little bit more about your child’s lived experiences and how you can best support them. (2)

Celebrating Whenever Possible (It’s Always Possible!)

Being a parent of an LGBTQIA+ youth makes you unique. Take every opportunity during pride month to celebrate your child and their community. This can be attending a pride parade, purchasing books for your child written by like-minded authors, or listening to music created by LGBTQIA+ artists. (3)

Get Involved In Your Community

As a parent, you will also need to find resources and communities that can help support you through this unique journey of raising an LGBTQIA+ youth. Take the month of June to branch out within your community and find support systems close to home. You should always be practicing new ways to help support and advocate for your child, as parenting is an ongoing journey.

We hope this article helps you better understand ways in which you can help celebrate pride month and advocate for your LGBTQIA+ child. To get personalized support that can help you navigate this journey as a parent, contact NeuroBehavioral Associates today!

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