At a time when more young people are empowered to live openly as LGBTQ+, family dynamics are evolving in ways that can be both inspiring and challenging. Health plans and employers who care about their members’ and employees’ mental well-being have an opportunity to offer support to families navigating these changes.
Even the most well-informed parent of an LGBTQ+ child may deal with anxieties about the challenges their child may face, or struggle to keep up with knowledge ushered in by new generations. Things are shifting quickly — youth are coming out earlier in life and their experiences with identity are far more nuanced than previous generations. Parents need support to help them understand what their children are going through.
Parental support in an evolving world
It’s perfectly normal for parents to feel overwhelmed or fearful when their child comes out, but it’s essential that they understand their responses can have a profound effect on their child’s lifelong mental health. Research shows that acceptance — particularly within the home — is a powerful buffer against depression, anxiety and self-harm for individuals coming out. According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ young people who report high levels of family support are nearly 50% less likely to attempt suicide than those who feel unsupported. Conversely, LGBTQ+ individuals who experience parental rejection have been found to exhibit elevated health risk behaviors and have poor mental and physical health outcomes.
Health plans can provide resources to help families through this process: what language to use when speaking to LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as practical guidance for caregivers on how to respond with curiosity, care and compassion. A key point to communicate to parents is that it’s okay to ask questions, but it’s important that those questions don’t undermine or invalidate a child’s identity.
“When families are supported in their growth, they become more capable of showing love and empathy — even in moments of confusion or fear.”
John Langlow, MD, MBA – Medical Director
Giving parents space to process
One of the most common struggles parents face is not knowing where to turn with their concerns. They may feel afraid to say the wrong thing while at the same time desperate to connect and understand. That’s why it’s important to provide safe spaces for parents to process their feelings without placing an emotional burden on their children.
Care management services can play a role in this. By offering resources specifically geared toward families navigating LGBTQ+ identity journeys, health plans can provide:
- One-on-one coaching for parents and caregivers
- Guided education on LGBTQ+ terminology, challenges and development
- Connection to community resources and support groups
These services can help parents meet their kids where they are. When families are supported in their growth, they become more capable of showing love and empathy, even in moments of confusion or fear.
Health plans and employers are in a unique position to break down stigma, normalize the learning curve and offer support tools for families living the LGBTQ+ journey. By investing in inclusive care management strategies, offering resources like our toolkit and reminding parents that they’re not alone, we can help bridge the gap between love and understanding.
John Langlow, MD, MBA is a medical director at Lucet.
