June was PRIDE month and even though we have moved into July the importance of the PRIDE movement is relevant 12 months a year.  Pride month celebrates lesbian, gay, transgender, queer, two-spirit, etc (LGBTQ2+) pride and the movement for these individuals to have equal rights and freedoms as other gender typical and heterosexual individuals in society.

Our children are the leaders of a more accepting and inclusive future.  They are also a generation of individuals exploring their identities at a much earlier age.  So how do we support them and encourage them from a place of love to discover their truth?

1. Curiosity: Have the curiosity to ask questions. As parents we may want our kids to think we have all the answers but let’s be honest – we don’t. Ask questions, listen to others and their stories. Find LGBTQ2+ groups or online communities, be curious and ask with an open mind and genuine intentions.

2. Encourage dialogue: stay connected to your child, keep the conversation going. Talk with your child, get to know their friends, talk with their schools and with other LGBTQ2+ members. Staying connected with your child will help them feel safe so they can approach you with bigger, more complex issues.

3. Learn the facts: explore the misconceptions about gender and sexuality, discover the importance of pronouns and become aware of the challenges that face LGBTQ2+ youth.

4. Become an advocate: LGBTQ2+ youth are more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience bullying and or other aggressions. It is important that we help them find a voice and have a voice, that we find support people to lift them up and create a safe, healthy environment in which they can thrive.

It is how we, as adults challenge old beliefs and biases, ask questions with curiosity and open our mind and hearts to new thoughts, views, and opinions that we can lead the generation who looks to us for answers about PRIDE and the LGBTQ2+ community.

There are some great online resources that can support parents and children of all different ages. Take some time and read through them to make sure they are reputable sources. A couple great ones that might help point you in the right direction are:

https://www.sk.johnhoward.ca/luluscampaign/

https://www.urpride.ca/

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

https://pflag.org/loving-families

Written by Wildflowers’ Clinical Counsellor, Alie Lewis.