Know! How to Support Kids During the Coming Out Process

June is Pride Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions, history, and resilience of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community. Alongside parades and other celebrations, Pride Month can also be a meaningful time for young people to share their identities with family and friends. If a young person in your life comes out to you, you may not know exactly what to say, and that’s okay. There is no perfect response, but the way you react can have a lasting impact on both their well-being and your relationship. Research consistently shows that adults who support LGBTQ+ youth play a critical role in protecting them from depression, substance use, and suicide risk. This June, if a young person trusts you enough to share this part of themselves with you, your support matters. These tips offer guidance for navigating these conversations with care, compassion, and openness.