Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) children desperately need love, support, and compassion. Being accepted and affirmed is crucial to improve self-esteem and reducing anxiety and depression.
According to The Trevor Project 2020 Mental Health Survey:
"48% of LGBTQ youth reported engaging in self-harm in the past twelve months, including over 60% of transgender and nonbinary youth."
"40% of LGBTQ respondents seriously considered attempting suicide in the past twelve months, with more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth having seriously considered suicide."
Acceptance starts by educating ourselves as parents and adults. We all deserve safe spaces to live, love, and thrive. And of course, we want those spaces for our children and loved ones. This list is a jumping-off point to find education, resources, and support that is a good fit for you and your child.
Youth Outlook
Thrive Parent + Caregiver Group
Youth Outlook offers a weekly group for parents and caregivers of LGBTQ+ Youth. This adult-only group provides a confidential space for parents to share stories, find commonalities, ask and get questions answered.
When: Every Wednesday
Time: 7 - 8 PM CST
Place: Zoom (details here -> Youth Outlook Website)
To participate in Thrive, please contact Kelly DeLaurenti at kelly.delaurenti@youth-outlook.org
PFLAG - Northern Illinois Council
Maintained by Parents of Transgender Individuals (PTI) chapters of PFLAG of Northern Illinois, this stellar group provides healthcare resources, housing, and shelter in Illinois for vulnerable individuals who identify themselves as trans, non-binary, or gender-expansive, books, and downloadable pamphlets.
Howard Brown Health
Trans and Non-binary Health Services
What to Expect: "Howard Brown Health is committed to improving the health of trans and nonbinary communities. We offer programs that address the unique barriers faced by trans and gender non-conforming clients as well as medical, behavioral health, and case management staff who are sensitive to your needs."
Virtual Support Groups
A variety of virtual support groups meet weekly. Topics include depression, anxiety, resilience and quality of life, the aging process specific to LGBTQ+ individuals, grief, mindfulness, the healing power of community, and more.
Discover more on the Groups page or reach out directly to the Groups Coordinator at SupportGroups@howardbrown.org or 872.269.3728.
Resources
Movement Advancement Project (MAP)
MAP provides rigorous research, insight, and communications to help speed equality & opportunity. MAP also has a family support and resource page for loved ones with transgender and gender-diverse children. These resources help parents gain a deeper understanding and learn how to support their child, why family rejection is so devastating, and practical steps for increasing acceptance.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.
Crisis counselors are available 24/7 through free consultations via phone, text, and chat options.
The Trevor Project website has free helpful guides like The Coming Out Handbook and TrevorSpace a supportive online community where LGBTQ youth can build a new network of like-minded people, be themselves, and discover helpful resources.
Best Therapies
An inclusive group practice of Emotion Experts, Trauma-Informed Therapists, Gender Guides, and Sex-Positive Relationship Nerds, Best Therapies is a safe space to be your best self.
The team at Best Therapies offers individual therapy, relationship counseling, support groups, skills training, and child/adolescent counseling.
Need more specialized information for your unique situation? If you are looking for an LGBTQ-affirming therapist in your area, email me directly at themoderndomesticwoman@gmail.com
Disclaimer:
None of the advice shared on The Modern Domestic Woman (MDW) or any of its platforms should be a substitute for professional clinical treatment. MDW is not responsible for treatment results.
While some of the contributors provide a narrative of their own mental health experience, the goal is to help the reader find supportive resources in their specific geographic location.
MDW reserves the right to remove any professional listing not abiding by the overall mission of providing healthy and positive resources for women of any background or gender identification.