We live in 2016 and being gay these days have become more open and accepted by the society. But not everyone is still open to this idea, especially to those children whose parents were born and raised in a conservative family. There are teenagers in America alone who are still finding it hard to come out to their parents about their gender orientation.
A young teen somewhere could become homeless tonight after coming out as gay to their parents.
Fact:people are dying from lack of food.— Candice (@Banks_87) January 30, 2016
Society has always been rigid to the LGBTQ community and that most of the teens who are a part of this group experience hostility in their own home after coming out. Here are tips for parents should your child come out to you revealing their sexuality for the first time:
1. Love: You have to realize that he or she is still your child. It doesn't matter what kind of beliefs you have, the fact still remains that the person who came out to you is still the fruit of your loins. Show them love no matter what.
2. Awareness: In an article published by PSY, being aware and having the knowledge about the LGBTQ community helps in knowing what could be going on with your child. You don't have to understand them, especially when you don't share the exact same feelings that they have with themselves. Accept them even when you don't understand them.
3. Talk To Your Child: There are some gay teens who are victims of sexual harassment when they were younger. You could talk to them and tell them to trust you that they could open up to you about that particular issue. That should be addressed and resolved as well, as it contributes a lot to their mental health.
4. Act Normal: According to an article posted by BGIOK, parents should not treat their gay child like someone who has a disability. It should not be treated like an illness either.
5. Honesty: This could be controversial for some because there are parents who stand in what they believe in and are also judged for their stand. Try to meet halfway and be honest with your child as well. Tell them that you accept him or her but it doesn't mean you have to compromise what you believe in. It is vice versa.
These five tips would help you still have a harmonious relationship with your child after he or she comes out as gay. Number one is the most important thing.
