Families vary greatly in their ability to offer loving support. Some families are critical, rejecting or abusive. Everyone deserves consistent love and caring, but not everyone gets it. Although this is painful and unfair, part of the lifelong work of maturing is coming to terms with the families we have. As we recognize what is and isn’t possible within our families, we can look to other healthy sources for the support we need.

There are many issues that may come up for queer youth coming out to their families including religion, class, race and culture. Some communities and religions are far less accepting of queer youth, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, intersexed and two-spirited youth may be very reluctant to come out to their families if their orientation goes against their religious or cultural background. It may also be very hard for youth because they may not seek support elsewhere for fear of being outed.

Whether your family is accepting and nurturing, critical or abusive, there’s no denying their influence on your life. For many people, family acceptance – or rejection – of their sexual or gender orientation is very significant.

If you have questions or comments, call our confidential peer-support phone line at 1-800-268-9688 (YOUTH) from any phone in Ontario or 416-962-9688 (YOUTH) in the Greater Toronto Area.

PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) has two main websites which have a lot of useful tips and information.

The American address is: http://www.pflag.org
The Canadian address is: http://www.pflag.ca