In honor of National Coming Out Day, I wanted to offer some resources to LGBT adults, teenagers & their families. LGBT individuals still face many challenges and microaggressions as minorities—making them more vulnerable to depression, self-harm, substance abuse and suicide. However, research shows that these risks are significantly diminished when LGBT individuals have family support.
If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning your identity—you may feel, or fear being, rejected by your loved ones. LGBT affirmative counseling can help you clarify your gender and sexual identity and determine how to seek the support of family and friends.
If a member of your family is LGBTQ and you have questions about what it means to be LGBTQ or you are wondering how you can be supportive, affirmative counseling can help you too.
For more information and local support:
PFLAG Nashville provides encouragement and guidance to parents, family, friends as they learn to understand and accept their LGBT loved ones.
OutCentral: Nashville’s LGBT Center‘s mission is to “connect, educate, empower, and build a positive, energy-filled space for greater Nashville’s diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community” by offering a variety of educational programming, community events, and networking opportunities.
The Family Acceptance Project , The Trevor Project, It Gets Better Project are national initiatives to increase awareness and offer support to LGBTQ teens and their families. If you, or a LGBTQ teen you know, is being bullied, harming themselves or contemplating suicide—please seek professional help.
*To find local professionals and businesses that support the LGBT community, refer to Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce. As of today, I am a “Bronze” level member!