CHILDREN OUR LGBTQIA+

Each 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 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 out can be a scary and difficult process for many LGBTQIA youth, and having a supportive parent can make all the difference. When parents love and accept their child, it sends a powerful message that their child's sexual orientation or gender identity is not a source of shame or disgrace. This can help their child feel more confident and secure in their identity, which can, in turn, make it easier for them to come out to others.

It's also essential for parents to educate themselves about LGBTQIA issues and to be open to learning from their child. Many parents of LGBTQIA children may not fully understand the issues their child faces or may have misconceptions about what it means to be LGBTQIA. By educating themselves and being open to learning from their child, parents can become better allies and advocates. This can help them provide the support and guidance their child needs to navigate the challenges of being LGBTQIA.

In conclusion, the importance of parents loving their LGBTQIA child cannot be overstated. For

LGBTQIA youth, the support and acceptance of their family members can make all the difference in their mental health and overall well-being. Parents who love and accept their child unconditionally send a powerful message that their child's sexual orientation or gender identity is not something to be ashamed of. This can help their child feel more confident, secure, and validated in their identity, which can, in turn, help them navigate the challenges of being LGBTQIA in a sometimes-hostile world. Parents who are open to learning about

LGBTQIA issues can also become better allies and advocates for their child, which can help them build stronger, more supportive relationships. Therefore, it is essential for parents to love and accept their LGBTQIA child and to provide them with the support and guidance they need to thrive. The pictures captured in this feature are one’s of love and admiration between the mother and their LGBTQIA+ child. To all the mothers and caregivers out there who give their child unconditionally love, we salute you and we all say THANK-YOU!

Most of my friends who I grew up with have left the Church. Each has their reasons, but my gay friends have a laundry list to refer to about why they will never come back. My best friend growing up used to go every Sunday, but now, she doesn’t even know, or care, when it’s Easter. Between being told that only boys could be altar servers (after she rode her bike miles to Church to show up for altar server training one morning) and the heap of shame piled on her for being gay, (and, well, the abuse scandal getting a bit too close to her friends), well, it was a bellyful for her. She and so many others tell me they don’t need religion anymore. Unfortunately, it’s not just religion they leave behind. God gets the boot, too.

Us gay folks always seem to have to choose what we can keep in our hearts and what we have to let go of if we want to be our true selves. It’s often choosing between family, the town we grew up in, the local Church, verses the “real” us, when we realized we were