Pride Month is a great time to show goodwill toward people of every gender by offering love, approval, and social support. Here are some great ways to do that.
READING
Your first stop might be Wilmette Public Library. Sometimes, supporting the LGBTQIA+ community means sharing books that model and reflect differences in gender. You can find picture books to serve the youngest in the family by asking youth service librarians for our book list on Gender Expression and Gender Identity.
In addition, award committees abound. For example, the American Library Association sponsors Stonewall Awards for youth and adult LGBTQIA+ books of exceptional merit. Adults can also look for books that have won a Lambda Award—or, you can watch the Lammies live on June 11.
PROVIDING PERSONAL SUPPORT
Parents who are concerned with navigating the waters of gender identity for teens can find support in several forms online. Two of our favorites include the following:
- From Planned Parenthood: “What should I teach my high school aged teen about identity?”
- Chrysalis Mama’s Just Breathe podcast
- The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation has created a Youth Engagement Program building a network of young LGBTQ activists and allies who promote acceptance through media.
FINDING SOCIAL SUPPORT
In addition to being supportive yourself, you can make use of—or help others find social support that is gender-positive. The following organizations are great places to go for support in the good times and help in the tough times.
- Glenview-Northbrook's Pride Youth program has groups for little kids, tweens, middle schoolers, and for older teens, including prideCONNECT, prideSUPPORT, and prideLEAD programs with a variety of opportunities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender youth, and youth who are questioning their sexual and/or gender identities, helping LGBTQIA+ teens to build relationships, get support, and lead their communities.
- The Josselyn Center’s Living Room, in Northfield, is This free, inviting space that also offers peer support specialists who have experienced their own mental health journeys. They can meet you where you are.
- The Trevor Helpline at 1-866-488-7386 offers Crisis Prevention for Gay Youth that’s as easy as a phone call. You can even find text and chat options at thetrevorproject.org.
- The It Gets Better Project has a “get help” button resource lists, phone numbers and links for LGBTQIA+ youth.
- The Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 offers trans peer support by and for trans people.
- Haven Youth and Family Services offers counseling, crisis intervention, parenting support, community support, and professional development for a wide array of mental health issues. Its Resources page is especially comprehensive and helpful.
- The CDC offers LGBTQ Youth Resources.
Happy Pride Month!