Pride and LGBTQ+ Youth
“Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of the community, where it really counts.”
– Barbara Gittings, American activist fighting on behalf of the LGBTQ+ population.
Pride Month always serves as a great reminder and incentive for us to think about the youth who come through our center, who identify differently than a heterosexual, cisgender person, and how we can continue to work and learn to present and ensure an authentic, understanding, and welcoming environment for all kids - whether coming in for a medical evaluation, receiving therapy services, or who are simply, and bravely telling their story. It is something we are actively working on, and plan to continue, as we seek updated knowledge around self-discovery and identity.
Acceptance and equality are not all justified through the laws and regulations that are put into place. These terms are much larger than what is presented on paper. Feeling safe, heard, and understood should be a priority no matter where a child is, not just at KIDS Center. To feel loved for exactly who we are, regardless of our gender identity or sexual orientation, is love that is crucial for individual’s mental health, self-worth, and the way we view ourselves in the eyes of our society.
We know from a trauma-focused lens just how important it is to have a supportive adult in a child's life. This supportive individual is especially crucial when the child is faced with an adverse childhood experience, which has the potential to be detrimental to their development. This supportive connection can pave the path for the child's development of resilience moving forward. A Harvard University study shows that the number one factor for a child to have high resilience is through a supportive and caring relationship with a trusting adult. Developing resilience can lower the possibility for long term mental and physical health problems such as depression, anxiety, heart disease, cancer, and many others.
We also know through research that children and adolescents who are discovering themselves through their gender identity and sexual orientation can face hardship. Having a supportive adult or caregiver is a fundamental piece of their development. Research shows when a child experiences rejection by their caregiver or others, they have a higher probability to report chronic depression and are more likely to have suicidal ideation. These adverse events can be mitigated through the supportive, accepting relationship of an adult in their life. Similar to a child who has faced the trauma of abuse, a child who is figuring out their identity also requires the same foundational love and support to build resilience.
Stand with KIDS Center and organizations in our community to become educated on how you can support children and adolescents, cognizant of their unique identity and story. A list of resources is provided below to help no matter where you are at on your journey of support.
In recent honor of Pride month, KIDS Center would like to share our openness, compassion, and eagerness to consistently become informed about the LGBTQ+ community and culture to ensure all people who come through KIDS Center feel well-supported, safe, and accepted. Here at KIDS Center, we strive to locate trainings and practice our part in the way we speak and advocate for children. All children should feel well-supported while they develop and create their authentic selves.
“There will not be a magic day when we wake up and it’s now okay to express ourselves publicly. We make that day by doing things publicly until it’s simply the way things are.” – Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay Senator in the United States.
Authored by Riley Broderick, KIDS Center Family Advocate