‘You agreed to support and help your child the moment you became a parent.’: LGBTQ teen urges parents to support their children as they figure out their identity

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“There is no such thing as an LGBTQ kid. Kids don’t have sexuality. They’re kids.’

This sentence was posted on Twitter to which many people agreed.

But it is wrong in many ways.

When I was 11 years old, I found out I was attracted to both girls and boys.

Although I didn’t come out until I was almost 13, I had feelings towards girls my age and boys when I was young.

I had crushes on famous actors and fictional characters.

So saying, ‘Kids don’t have sexuality‘ is false.

Even for straight children.

Kids are constantly figuring themself out, and it doesn’t get easier, even as you get older.

I’m 15 now and still figuring myself out.

So that’s why the best thing parents can do is be supportive of their children.

It doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with how they may be feeling.

If your son decides they’re a girl and not a boy, what you’re supposed to do is learn and guide them through it.

Because they’re struggling more than you are in those moments.

If your child comes out to you and tells you they suspect or they are gay, bi, trans, etc…

Love them through it.

You agreed to support and help your child the moment you became a parent.

So the best thing a parent can do during PRIDE month and every day overall is love and support your children.

Go online and research LGBTQ and how you can support them as an ally.

Take the time to educate yourself instead of resenting them while they’re still figuring things out.

It will make a world of difference.

Because they need you more than ever.”

daughter in pride clothes smiling
Courtesy of Sheryl St. Aubin

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Sheryl St. Aubin and written by her daughter, Lilliana St. Aubin, 0f Hudson, Florida. You can follow her journey on Facebook and Instagram. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribeto our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

Read more from Sheryl:

‘Remember my son’s name, because he taught the world that there is no shame in being autistic or being different.’: Mom expresses need for understanding after mean comment

‘I drown in piles of laundry and dishes, the pressure to be a good wife. Most days, I feel like I didn’t do enough. The load we carry is heavy, from the moment our feet hit the floor.’: Special needs mom urges ‘ask for help’

‘He doesn’t open presents, understand Santa Claus, or notice the glow of Christmas lights.’: Mom to son with autism candidly details holiday grief, ‘Special needs parents, I see you’

‘You lift him up, no matter how heavy the world seems. You’re his safe place, his best friend. You became a hero in not just one, but two sets of eyes.’: Mom thanks daughter for being ‘hero’ to sibling with autism

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