LOVING
OUR LGBTQIA+ By Editor-in-Chief Gwendolyn D. Clemons
CHILDREN E
ach Mother’s Day, TUV Magazine intentionally
features a section that highlights mothers, sisters, grandmothers, aunts, or the matriarch that
provided support in the lives of
LGBTQIA+ individuals. We can’t
ever stop having these types of conversations because of the
harrowing stories of rejections
and even murder because of the identity of their child.
Parents play a crucial role in
shaping their child's life, and
when it comes to children who identify as LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual),
parents' love and support are especially critical. LGBTQIA
youth often face discrimination, rejection, and social isolation, which can cause significant emotional distress. Studies
have shown that supportive
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families can have a positive impact on LGBTQIA youth's
mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Therefore, it is essential for parents to love
and accept their LGBTQIA child unconditionally.
One of the most significant
challenges that LGBTQIA youth face is rejection from their
family members. Many young
people fear coming out to their parents because they worry
that they will not be accepted,
and this fear can be particularly
acute in cultures or communities where LGBTQIA identities
are not widely understood or
accepted. When parents reject their child because of their
sexual orientation or gender
identity, it can have devastating consequences. It can lead to
depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, and it can damage
the parent-child relationship irreparably.
On the other hand, when
parents love and accept their LGBTQIA child, it can have a
profoundly positive impact on
their child's mental health and
well-being. Studies have shown that LGBTQIA youth who feel supported by their families
are less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and
substance abuse. They are also more likely to have a positive
self-image, better grades, and stronger social connections.
Loving and accepting parents can also help their child build resilience and cope with the
challenges of being LGBTQIA in a sometimes-hostile world. Moreover, parents' love and
support are essential to the
coming-out process. Coming
