This week Bisexual Health Awareness Month focuses on action steps at home, in school, and within communities for better supporting bisexual+ youth. Today’s post provides tips for parents and guardians!
With low coming out rates, bisexual+ (e.g. bisexual, pansexual, queer, no label) youth need more support and affirmation, starting at home from parents, guardians, and family members. Bisexual adolescents in particular report less family and school connectedness than their straight peers.
Are you a parent or guardian of a bisexual+ youth? Two reports by the Human Rights Campaign provide several recommendations for caring for bisexual+ and gender-expansive youth:
- Talk to your children about being LGBQ+ and tell them you will support them no matter their sexual orientation
- If your child comes out to you as bisexual+, reach out to relevant organizations and support groups to learn more
- Read as much as you can about gender and connect with organizations, support groups, and online forums for resources
- Insist that others around your gender-expansive child are respectful and affirming
Other tips and places to start include:
- Learning about bisexuality+ here— and listening to your child when they tell you what being bisexual+ means to them
- Celebrating bisexuality+ with your child! Check out this extensive list of famous bisexuals
- Becoming a better bisexual+ ally by following these steps
- Reaching out to bisexual-specific organizations like the Bisexual Resource Center, and Bisexual Organizing Project for information and resources
- Joining a local chapter of PFLAG to connect with their support groups and/or checking out this list of trans* resources by TransYouth Family Allies
What other advice do you have for parents or guardians of bisexual+ youth? Leave them in the comments below!