Despite increased awareness and acceptance, coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other gender and sexually expansive identities can be difficult for people. Fears about the reactions of family, friends, coworkers and society as a whole can contribute to anxiety, depression, isolation and suicidal thoughts.
- 40% of LGB adults have a mental illness vs.18% of all adults
- 39% of LGBT youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months
- Two times more lesbian and bisexual women experience suicidal thoughts compared to heterosexual women
- 37% of bisexual adults are likely to report depression-related symptoms vs. 17% of heterosexual adults
On the positive side, coming out can also be a liberating experience that helps LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and other gender and sexually expansive identities) people learn who they are and find a community of support. Here are some ways you can support LGBTQ+ family members, friends and co-workers.
Create an atmosphere of acceptance
- Be open and approachable, and consistently convey you are supportive of LGBTQ+ concerns.
- Be sensitive and respectful to all gender orientations and sexualities. Don’t assume that everyone is cisgender and/or heterosexual.
- Use inclusive language and preferred pronouns.
- Seek out information and educational resources to increase your understanding.
Listen and be willing to talk
- Listen without judgment. Often, your LGBTQ+ family members, friends or co-workers just need someone to listen.
- Ask what you can do to better support them, but don’t ask intrusive questions.
- Be an ally and offer empathy and support.
Speak up
- Normalize LGBTQ+ people and issues by speaking supportively across different settings, such as social, work or places of worship. This helps to make others comfortable doing the same.
- Say something if you hear someone make a disparaging remark or tell a joke that stereotypes LGBTQ+ people. Silence can convey acceptance.
Provide resources and assistance
- Share helpful resources when appropriate, such as the Gay-Straight Alliance Network or It Gets Better.
- Validate concerns, experiences and feelings. If a family member or coworker shows signs of distress or depression, contact local support groups or your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you have access to that benefit.
- Be aware of resources available for urgent or emergent situations. For example, texting “HOME” to 741741 will connect you with a crisis counselor, or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 800-273-8255.
Despite increased awareness and acceptance, coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other gender and sexually expansive identities can be difficult for people. Fears about the reactions of family, friends, coworkers and society as a whole can contribute to anxiety, depression, isolation and suicidal thoughts.
- 40% of LGB adults have a mental illness vs.18% of all adults
- 39% of LGBT youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months
- Two times more lesbian and bisexual women experience suicidal thoughts compared to heterosexual women
- 37% of bisexual adults are likely to report depression-related symptoms vs. 17% of heterosexual adults
On the positive side, coming out can also be a liberating experience that helps LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and other gender and sexually expansive identities) people learn who they are and find a community of support. Here are some ways you can support LGBTQ+ family members, friends and co-workers.
Create an atmosphere of acceptance
- Be open and approachable, and consistently convey you are supportive of LGBTQ+ concerns.
- Be sensitive and respectful to all gender orientations and sexualities. Don’t assume that everyone is cisgender and/or heterosexual.
- Use inclusive language and preferred pronouns.
- Seek out information and educational resources to increase your understanding.
Listen and be willing to talk
- Listen without judgment. Often, your LGBTQ+ family members, friends or co-workers just need someone to listen.
- Ask what you can do to better support them, but don’t ask intrusive questions.
- Be an ally and offer empathy and support.
Speak up
- Normalize LGBTQ+ people and issues by speaking supportively across different settings, such as social, work or places of worship. This helps to make others comfortable doing the same.
- Say something if you hear someone make a disparaging remark or tell a joke that stereotypes LGBTQ+ people. Silence can convey acceptance.
Provide resources and assistance
- Share helpful resources when appropriate, such as the Gay-Straight Alliance Network or It Gets Better.
- Validate concerns, experiences and feelings. If a family member or coworker shows signs of distress or depression, contact local support groups or your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you have access to that benefit.
- Be aware of resources available for urgent or emergent situations. For example, texting “HOME” to 741741 will connect you with a crisis counselor, or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 800-273-8255.
Despite increased awareness and acceptance, coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other gender and sexually expansive identities can be difficult for people. Fears about the reactions of family, friends, coworkers and society as a whole can contribute to anxiety, depression, isolation and suicidal thoughts.
- 40% of LGB adults have a mental illness vs.18% of all adults
- 39% of LGBT youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past 12 months
- Two times more lesbian and bisexual women experience suicidal thoughts compared to heterosexual women
- 37% of bisexual adults are likely to report depression-related symptoms vs. 17% of heterosexual adults
On the positive side, coming out can also be a liberating experience that helps LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and other gender and sexually expansive identities) people learn who they are and find a community of support. Here are some ways you can support LGBTQ+ family members, friends and co-workers.
Create an atmosphere of acceptance
- Be open and approachable, and consistently convey you are supportive of LGBTQ+ concerns.
- Be sensitive and respectful to all gender orientations and sexualities. Don’t assume that everyone is cisgender and/or heterosexual.
- Use inclusive language and preferred pronouns.
- Seek out information and educational resources to increase your understanding.
Listen and be willing to talk
- Listen without judgment. Often, your LGBTQ+ family members, friends or co-workers just need someone to listen.
- Ask what you can do to better support them, but don’t ask intrusive questions.
- Be an ally and offer empathy and support.
Speak up
- Normalize LGBTQ+ people and issues by speaking supportively across different settings, such as social, work or places of worship. This helps to make others comfortable doing the same.
- Say something if you hear someone make a disparaging remark or tell a joke that stereotypes LGBTQ+ people. Silence can convey acceptance.
Provide resources and assistance
- Share helpful resources when appropriate, such as the Gay-Straight Alliance Network or It Gets Better.
- Validate concerns, experiences and feelings. If a family member or coworker shows signs of distress or depression, contact local support groups or your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you have access to that benefit.
- Be aware of resources available for urgent or emergent situations. For example, texting “HOME” to 741741 will connect you with a crisis counselor, or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 800-273-8255.