June 23, 2025 | Louise EdwardsThe world might feel especially heavy right now and for some of us, it’s always like that. If you identify as LGBTQIA+ or love someone who does, the weight of intolerance, discrimination, and misunderstanding can feel relentless.
As a parent, you may be struggling to know what to do or how to show support for your kids or others in your world. Let’s be honest, you may at times feel a bit awkward. So until the day comes when our kids don’t have to “come out” to us at all, because what does it matter …. or announcing they are “straight” carries the same weight as any other orientation or identity – how do you show up? With your kind, connected presence.
And what is that exactly?
One of the most powerful tools we have is listening — real, curious, humble listening. When a child or friend opens up about their identity, they’re sharing something sacred. Our job isn’t to rush in with solutions or questions that satisfy our own confusion or show them our worries. Our most helpful task is to hold space. Ask: “How can I support you?” or “What do you want me to understand about you?” If you’re confused, you might say, “Help me understand that.” or “Tell me more.” These phrases show love. Even if we fumble, sincerity and willingness to try again matter more than flawless execution.
One of the biggest fears many LGBTQIA+ youth face is not being loved if they reveal their truth. That fear isn’t abstract — it’s rooted in stories they’ve heard, people they’ve seen rejected, and the silence they’ve endured. Saying “I love you exactly as you are” out loud, even (especially) if you’re feeling overwhelmed, is a lifeline. These aren’t just comforting words — they are protective, reducing the risks of depression, anxiety, and self-harm.
Pronouns. New names. Gender expression. For many of us, it’s a new language. And that’s okay. What matters is that we show we’re learning. Use the name and pronouns someone shares. If you make a mistake, apologize, correct yourself, and move on. The discomfort of making a mistake and learning is nothing compared to the pain of being unseen.
From a rainbow sticker on your laptop to a bookshelf filled with inclusive stories, visible signs of acceptance tell others: “You are safe here.” Speak up when you hear harmful language. Celebrate Pride all year, not just in June. And if you’re a parent, model inclusion not only in what you say, but in what you do. Representation matters — in your home, your conversations, and your relationships.
We don’t have to know everything. We just have to keep showing up — with compassion, curiosity, and courage. Whether it’s donating to advocacy groups, attending a workshop, or simply starting a conversation with your child about a character in a TV show, your actions matter. Allyship is not a title; it’s a verb.
So let’s keep showing up — even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard. Because love that’s brave, humble, and kind? That’s the kind of love that changes lives.
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