Love your LGBTQ+ Kids: other organizations with with support!
Since Feb 14 is Valentine’s Day, this month we’re looking at ways to #LoveYourLGBTKids! This week we want to highlight ways to support your kiddo through external organizations and community events. A great way to start is reaching out to our own PFLAG, the first LGBT organization to unite families and children. Our greater Boston chapter is located physically in Waltham but also digitally at [email protected] and here.
Another great organization we often plug is the Trevor Project, a non-profit organization focused on prevention efforts for LGBT kids through hotline programming and outreach. Counselors can be reached 24/7 and are 100% confidential and free. They also provide support resources for better understanding LGBT kiddos.
GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) is another nationally recognized media organization that promotes allyship and matters of representation. They provide a great media guide (https://www.glaad.org/resources) with extensive yet easily understandable information about efforts for better representation.
Another well known LGBT organization is the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), which focuses on legislative efforts supporting LGBT people. Their efforts cover a range of topics not just limited to sexuality (https://www.hrc.org/resources). They have various chapters all across the country.
Sometimes a national organization is too big for the support your child needs. If this is the case, check out local community centers either in your town or nearest city. Often these centers are either focused exclusively on LGBT youth or are connected to these efforts in some way. They may host movie nights, social mixers to meet other LGBT folks, or provide great resources for getting involved.
It’s important to remember that the best support starts at home. Checking-in with your LGBT kiddo, actively supporting LGBT efforts, and creating a safe space for self-expression are great ways to show up as an ally. Creating a welcoming environment allows LGBT to flourish and thrive in their identities.
We hope this thread helps you feel empowered to support LGBTQ+ kids! So we can continue bringing you these tips, please consider donating to our cause! give.gbpflag.org/givenow
