Does discrimination for lgbtq affect families
LGBTQI+
The acronym ‘LGBTQI+’ refers to people that identify as lesbian, male lover, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and intersex. The + refers to an inclusive term for people who do not perceive that they fit into traditional categories of sexuality or gender.
While being a member of the LGBTQI+ community is not automatically a risk factor for poor mental health, evidence suggests that LGBTQI+ childish people may be more susceptible to mental health problems.
A research project into the mental health of LGBTQI+ young people, conducted by Youth Chances, launch that LGBTQI+ young people report significantly higher levels of mental health problems including depression and anxiety, self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
52% of LGBTQI+ people reported self-harming, compared to 35% of heterosexual non-trans adolescent people. 44% of the LGBTQI+ young people surveyed reported suicidal thoughts, compared to 26% of heterosexual respondents.
Common LGBT Issues for Families
The modern notion of family has evolved beyond the traditional nuclear family structure of two dissimilar-gendered partners and 2.5 children. In many ways, what the typical American thinks of as the “traditional family structure,” has always been more fluid and has always included more nuance, family members, and family dynamics.
That creature said, these families acquire not always had the privilege of seeing themselves represented in popular media, medical/mental health research, and conversations around parenting and household dynamics.
Now that we are expanding our ideas and acceptance around what a family can be and look like, we can recognize families who identify as queer and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Double attraction, Transgender) face unique challenges and opportunities related to their identities.
Let’s explore shared issues that many gender non-conforming and LGBT families meeting and the role of queer relationship therapy and LGBT family therapy in addressing these challenges.
Visibility and Acceptance
One of the most significant issues faced by LGBT families is the need for visibility and acceptance in society. While progress has been made in recent
Safeguarding LGBTQ+ children and young people
Risks of harm
Evidence suggests that LGBTQ+ children and young people might be at increased risk of some forms of harm.
Child sexual exploitation
LGBTQ+ relationships are underrepresented in educational resources and the media (Barnardo’s and Fox, 2016). This means there are fewer examples of relevant, fit relationships available to LGBTQ+ young people. If LGBTQ+ juvenile people are not taught about robust and unhealthy relationships, it might be easier for an abuser to groom them into believing an abusive connection is normal.
If Queer young people are unable to receive information about sex and relationships from school or family, they might look for advice and back from people in adult spaces, such as gay clubs. This is particularly true of new people who reside in rural areas or in communities where their gender identity or sexuality is not approved. Adult spaces don’t have the similar safeguarding and toddler protection measures in place as spaces specifically for children. Children might be pressured or coerced into doing something they don’t desire to do, particularly if they are already isolated and don’t have anywhere els
LGBT+ Parents report finds many schools are failing to be inclusive
LGBT+ Parents, a new report published by Just Like Us, has found that many schools and nurseries still do not talk openly about diverse families resulting in social stigma, discrimination and poor wellbeing.
The fresh research by Just Enjoy Us – the LGBT+ young people’s charity – independently surveyed 1,012 LGBT+ parents across the UK, and also interviewed families about their experiences.
The LGBT+ Parents report provides 10 recommendations for nurseries and schools on how they can be more inclusive to children from LGBT+ families.
Read the report
LGBT+ Parents report: Key findings
- Negative comments about LGBT+ families are common: More than half (56%) of lesbian and gay parents face negative comments about their families. 42% of their children have experienced remarks about having LGBT+ parents
- More reveal conversations are needed in schools: Only one in five (19%) LGBT+ parents say their child’s university openly discusses LGBT+ families with pupils
- Anti-trans rhetoric has spread to some institution communities: A third (30%) of transgender parents include heard negative comments about trans peopl
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LGBTQ+ single parenting tips
We’re not in the business of telling people how to parent. But here are a few things you can act to help your child feel reliable, secure and confident about who they are and where they come from.
Talk openly
It’s important to be open with your children from an early age. This can facilitate them understand that while their family might look other from others, it’s simply another thoughtful of family. The BBC’s Tiny Content People site has some very useful advice from Gay parents on talking to your children about being an LGBTQ+ family.
FFLAG is a charity supporting families with Gay members. They contain lots of useful booklets and resources, including one on telling your youth you’re trans.
Celebrate who you are
Seeing themselves reflected in books and on screen is important for children. So it’s good to monitor, read or hear to things that show and mark LGBTQ+ families.
Stand up to bullying
One of the most shared worries of Queer parents is that their kids might be bullied at school. If your child doesn’t undergo like your individuality is anything extraordinary or to be ashamed of, they’re likely to be more resilient if bullying does oc