Supporting the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Youth

In many ways, our society has become more accepting of LGBTQ individuals in recent decades. But a current spike in hateful rhetoric and acts of violence against LGBTQ youth has derailed some of that progress and shaken the security of many vulnerable young people. Most of these young people already have faced challenges of bullying and isolation, as well the common fear and anxiety around coming out to their family, friends, teachers and faith community. So, what will help these young people establish security, confidence, and resilience in the face of these challenges? And what will help parents and other family members sustain loving connections with their child through what may be a difficult transition for everyone?   This week’s Mom Enough guest, Derrick Jordan, is Director of the Gender and Family Project at the New York-based Ackerman Institute for Family, one of the top mental health providers and trainers of individual and family therapists since 1960. Derrick, both a licensed social worker and a pastor with a Master of Divinity degree, brings unique perspectives and experiences to his work with LGBTQ youth – and to his rich conversation with co-hosts Marti & Erin. Derrick describes his work as “navigating the complexities of faith and spirituality at the intersection of race, ethnicity, culture, gender identity and sexuality." Tune in and appreciate Derrick’s warmth and compassion, along with the practical tips and helpful resources he offers.   WHAT CAN WE DO TO BETTER SUPPORT THE MENTAL HEALTH OF LGBTQ YOUTH? What did you find most interesting, helpful, or thought-provoking in this discussion about the mental health needs of LGBTQ youth? Wherever you live, work, worship, or play, what small steps could you take to help LGBTQ youth and their families feel safe, cared for and respected?   WANT TO LEARN MORE? ❉ PARENTING TRANSGENDER YOUTH: INSIGHTS FROM LESLIE LAGERSTROM & DR. ELIZABETH REEVE. Mom and blogger Leslie Lagerstrom (creator of Transparenthood) and child and adolescent psychiatrist Elizabeth Reeve join Marti & Erin for a candid and informative discussion on raising a transgender child. Tune in to learn how to help family and friends accept and support the child and develop a deeper understanding of both the risks and protective factors that influence mental health outcomes for transgender youth.   ❉ PARENTING TRANSGENDER YOUTH OR GENDER NONCONFORMING INDIVIDUALS. When young people question their gender identity or reveal that they are not comfortable with the identity they were assigned at birth, it is a deeply emotional time for the young person, parents and other family members. What parental responses will help or hinder the young person’s health and well-being? What interventions, both psychological and medical, are available and appropriate? What are common feelings and concerns for parents as they navigate this major and complex change? And at what age – and to what extent – can young people be certain that gender change is the true path for them? Jenifer McGuire, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota, who joins Marti & Erin for a candid and informative discussion of this important topic.