Gender and sexuality can be complex and confusing. Whether you are questioning, wondering, confused, or ready to come out…you are beautiful!
YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Here are some places you can connect to support, information and resources. This can be a very tough time, but you do not have to go through it alone. The most important step is to commit to your own well-being and safety. If you are being bullied, harassed or facing being kicked out of your home, here are some ways you can connect to safety and support.
If you need immediate support:
National Toll Free & Confidential Hotline
for LGBT and Questioning Youth
24 Hour Support: Suicide Hotline
866-4-U-TREVOR
(866-489-7386)
Here are some pointers for navigating this journey and accessing support that can make a big difference!
Come out to yourself.
This means acknowledging what is true for you at this point and reminding yourself that who you are is unique and beautiful, even if you don’t yet fully feel that way. As you learn more, you will discover that you are not alone. And if you don’t yet have the “answers” therapy can really help you ask the questions, and discover more about yourself with a safe and supportive person.
Come out to a safe person.
This could be a close friend, a parent, a teacher or mentor. If you do not feel you have someone safe, consider connectingwith a school counselor, or look for a Gay and Lesbian Center in your area through a google search. I’ve included lots of links below so keep reading!
All of us in the community are here to support you, because we are dedicated to the cause of making this a safer and more equal world for LGBT people.
Are you being bullied?
The Make It Better Project outlines your rights and the action you can take NOW.
You have a right to an education without harassment and this page will take you through the action steps to
address your situation.
Reach out and connect!
In addition to checking into your local schools LGBTQ group or GSA, there are support groups in your area that can offer information, advice and an opportunity to make new friends. To find support in your area, Look for resources through the closets LGBTQ center, or your school counselor. If its safe to do this search online, you can also check out your local PFLAG Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (which is also Trans affirmative) for some direction. Keep reading for more ideas!
Support in LA/OC
Center Long Beach Youth Services: social activities, skillbuilding, youth support groups and peer mentoring for lgbt youth.http://www.centerlb.org/programs/myte.html
Gay and Lesbian Center OC: weekly support group for youth ages 16-24.
http://www.thecenteroc.org/Programs/Youth/
Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center provides a broad range of services for the LGBT community including
free and low cost mental health and health care, HIV testing and many legal, social and cultural resources.
Jeff Griffith Youth Center and Transitional Housing
For LGBT youth 24 and under. Drop in assistance, meals and transitional housing as well as
the Life Works Mentoring Project.
LGBT STUDENT RIGHTS
TRANSGENDER STUDENT RIGHTS IN CALIFORNIA
LGBT STUDENT RIGHTS IN CALIFORNIA
LGBTQ WEB RESOURCES
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org
Advocates for Youth: Great web resource with articles, links to support and information for youth and youth educators and advocates for queer youth.
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/home/index.html
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network: providing information and advocacy to youth, opportunities for youth led advocacy in the educative environment.
http://laglc.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=YW_Youth_Services
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center: See youth services for groups, counseling and shelter for homeless LGBT youth.
http://www.centerlb.org/programs/myte.html
Center for LGBT community in Long Beach. Youth Mentoring Program: MYTE.
http://youthresource.com/
Youth Resource: Created by and for LGBTQ youth. List of youth groups, peer groups, gay straight alliances, according to region.
http://www.outproud.org/
Out Proud: Online information on coming out, coming out stories, peer support.
http://www.colage.org
COLAGE is a national movement of children, youth, and adults with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer (LGBTQ) parents.
http://nyacyouth.org/
National Youth Advocacy Coalition is a national social justice organization working with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people to strengthen the role of young people in the LGBTQ rights movement.
http://www.outproud.org/brochure_coming_out.html
Brochure on coming out to your parents. Support and safety are essential. If you need help taking these steps, please contact myself, or one of the support resources listed here.
http://gayteens.about.com/od/glbtbasicsforteens/f/
ABOUT.com’s section on GLBT basics for teens.
EN ESPANOL
http://psicologialgbt.blogspot.com/
El objetivo de ésta página es servir como fuente de información en español sobre temas de psicología afirmativa LGBT (Lesbiana, Gay, Bisexual y Transgénero). Este proyecto inició como una actividad de la asignatura Acción Comunitaria LGBT dentro del programa de la Maestría en Psicología Clínica y de la Especialidad LGBT de laUniversidad Antioch Los Ángeles
BOOKS FOR LGBT YOUTH
Figuring It Out by N.S.B.
An anonymously written “journal” of a young woman trying to figure out her sexuality.
Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth and their Allies (1996) by Ellen Bass
FOR PARENTS & MENTORS OF LGBTQ YOUTH
Recent media attention to the dire and deadly effects of homophobic bullying have shed light on the trauma to youth.
LGBT youth are FOUR TIMES AS LIKELY TO ATTEMPT SUICIDE as their straight peers. When parents are rejecting of their childthat risk DOUBLES. (Family Acceptance Project, Ryan, 2009) The FAP also found that parental support was tied to overall adjustmentand health for LGBT youth.
Your relationship with your child is a critical factor in their well being and adjustment as they come out. It can be challenging for you as a parent when
your child comes out. Talking to other parents who have been there can really help. Here are some resources for you to explore and links to support
groups. Family Therapy can also be helpful. To find a family therapist in your area who is LGBT affirming:
www.gaylesta.org in Northern California
www.lagpa.org in Southern California
www.gayfriendlytherapists.com Nationwide
www.pflag.org
Support, information and advocacy for parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth. Meetings nationwide. Visit the website
to find one near you.
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/parents/index.htm
Parents page on the Advocates for Youth website-dedicated to supporting educators, parents, youth with critical risk reduction information.
Always My Child: A Parent’s Guide to Understanding your Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning Son or Daughter by Kevin Jennings and Pat Shapiro
Parents:
I also recommend you check out the websites for youth as they contain many helpful articles on sexuality, coming out and provide a helpful understanding of lgbt issues among teens.
**Please note that this list is for information only. I do not endorse these organizations, nor do I benefit from providing their information here
Please contact me if you have a resource to suggest
| lmaurelmft@gmail.com