Hello, wonderful readers! As we continue to celebrate Pride Month, it's important to recognize the significant role that friends and loved ones play in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. Support from those we care about can make a profound difference in our journey toward self-acceptance and well-being. Here are some therapeutic ideas on how you can be a supportive ally to your LGBTQ+ friends and loved ones.
Understanding the Challenges: Statistics on LGBTQ+ Youth
Before diving into ways to support, let's look at some important statistics about LGBTQ+ youth (National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, Trevor Project, 2022):
45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.
Nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide and LGBTQ youth of color reported higher rates than their white peers.
LGBTQ youth who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support.
Fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming.
60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it. (If this applies to you or one of your loved ones, please reach out to me! I will either help personally or will find another clinician that can.)
73% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety. 58% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing symptoms of depression.
How to Be a Supportive Ally
Listen with Empathy: Create a safe, non-judgmental space where your LGBTQ+ friend or loved one feels comfortable sharing their experiences and feelings. Listen with empathy and validate their emotions.
Educate Yourself: Take the initiative to educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues, terminology, and history. Understanding the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community can help you provide more informed and compassionate support.
Respect Their Identity: Always use the name and pronouns that your friend or loved one has chosen. Respecting their identity is a fundamental way to show your support and affirmation.
Be an Active Ally: Stand up against discrimination and prejudice. Whether it's in your workplace, social circles, or online, be vocal in your support for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. Your advocacy can help create a safer and more inclusive environment.
Offer Practical Support: Sometimes, support means offering practical help. This could be assisting with finding LGBTQ+-friendly resources, accompanying them to events or appointments, or simply being there during difficult times.
Celebrate Their Journey: Celebrate milestones and achievements in their journey, whether it's coming out, transitioning, or any personal successes. Recognizing and celebrating these moments shows your love and support.
Be Patient and Understanding: Understand that everyone's journey is unique and personal. Be patient as your friend or loved one navigates their path, and offer your unwavering support, even if you don't fully understand their experience.
Encourage Self-Care: Encourage your LGBTQ+ friend or loved one to engage in self-care and prioritize their mental health. Offer to join them in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, hobbies, or mindfulness practices.
Respect Their Privacy: Respect the privacy of your LGBTQ+ friend or loved one. Allow them to share their story on their own terms and avoid outing them to others without their explicit consent.
Check-In Regularly: Make it a habit to check in with your LGBTQ+ friend or loved one regularly. Ask how they're doing and offer your support consistently. Sometimes, knowing that someone cares can make all the difference.
Attend LGBTQ+ Events Together: Show your support by attending LGBTQ+ events and Pride celebrations with your friend or loved one. Participating in these events can be a powerful way to demonstrate your allyship and celebrate their identity.
Seek Support for Yourself: Being a supportive ally can also be challenging. Don't hesitate to seek support or counseling for yourself if you need help understanding your own feelings or navigating difficult conversations.
How to Be a Safe Person to Come Out To
Talking about being a safe person to come out to involves more than just saying you are supportive. It means demonstrating through your actions and words that you are trustworthy, respectful, and understanding. Here are some tips:
Express Your Support: Let your friend or loved one know explicitly that you support LGBTQ+ rights and that you are there for them. Simple statements like, "I support LGBTQ+ rights and am here for you," can open the door to deeper conversations.
Create a Safe Environment: Make it clear that your home, social circle, or any shared spaces are safe and inclusive environments. This can be as simple as displaying LGBTQ+ affirming symbols or being vocal against discriminatory behavior.
Be Discreet and Respectful: If someone confides in you about their LGBTQ+ identity, respect their privacy. Do not share their information without their consent. Trust is crucial, and respecting their confidentiality is a key aspect of being a safe person.
Listen Without Judgment: When someone comes out to you, listen without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Show empathy and understanding, and let them share their story at their own pace.
Affirm Their Identity: Affirm their identity by using their chosen name and pronouns. Validate their experiences and feelings without questioning or diminishing them.
Offer Your Continued Support: Make it clear that your support is ongoing. Reiterate that you are there for them, not just during the coming-out process but at all times.
Ask How You Can Help: Sometimes, the best way to support is to ask directly, "How can I support you?" This shows that you are considerate of their needs and willing to help in ways that are meaningful to them.
By incorporating these ideas and being a genuinely supportive ally, you can make a significant positive impact on the lives of your LGBTQ+ friends and loved ones. Your support can help them feel valued, loved, and understood, contributing to their overall mental health and well-being.
Now, I'd love to hear from you. What has been your experience in supporting an LGBTQ+ friend or loved one? What challenges and successes have you encountered? Have you or someone you know recently celebrated a milestone in their LGBTQ+ journey? What resources have you found helpful in educating yourself about LGBTQ+ issues? How has supporting an LGBTQ+ friend or loved one impacted your personal growth and understanding?
With compassion, rainbows, and sparkles,
Comments