At a glance
- Parents play an important role in shaping the health of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) teen.
- Parents can promote positive health outcomes for their LGBTQ+ teen.
- With strong parental support, teens are less likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors and be involved in violence.
Overview
The teen years can be a challenging time for young people and their parents. The information here is based on a review of published studies. Studies found that parents play an important role in shaping the health of their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) teen.
When LGBTQ+ teens share their sexual orientation (or choose not to share it), they may feel rejected by important people in their lives, including their parents. This rejection can negatively influence an LGBTQ+ teen's overall well-being.
On the other hand, a positive family environment, with high levels of parental support and low levels of conflict, is helpful. These factors are associated with LGBTQ+ youth who experience healthy emotional adjustment. Teens in these settings are less likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors and be involved in violence.
How parents make a difference
Research suggests that LGBTQ+ teens have better health outcomes when their parents support their sexual orientation in positive, affirming ways. Compared to teens who do not feel valued by their parents, LGBTQ+ youth who feel valued by their parents are less likely to:
- Experience depression.
- Attempt suicide.
- Use drugs and alcohol.
- Have sexually transmitted infections.
In addition, research among young gay men shows that having a positive relationship with their parents helped them decide to have safer sex. (For instance, they decide to use condoms, not have sex with high-risk partners.) Many also reported that having a positive parent-teen relationship created a sense of responsibility to avoid HIV infection.
Why it is important
Compared to heterosexual youth, LGBTQ+ teens are more likely to experience bullying, physical violence, or rejection. As a result, LGBTQ+ teens are at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. They also report higher rates of sexual risk behavior and substance abuse.
Specific actions for parents
Research on parenting shows how important it is—regardless of their teen's sexual orientation—for parents to:
- Have open, honest conversations with their teens about sex.
- Know their teen's friends and know what their teen is doing.
- Develop common goals with their teen, such as being healthy and doing well in school.