LGBTQ+ youth & families

In The Trevor Project’s 2024 survey, LGBTQ+ young people aged 13–17 reported higher rates of seriously considering suicide (46%) than those aged 18–24 (33%), and higher rates of depression symptoms (57% vs 49%).

Younger teens often have less control over where they live, which school they go to and who they spend time with. That makes support from adults around them extra important.

Some young people know who they are early. Others take time, try out labels, or change how they describe themselves. All of that is normal and valid.

College, work and moving out can bring a chance to be more open and find community. They can also bring money worries, loneliness or distance from family support.

What helps

• Find LGBTQ+ groups on campus or in your area
• Keep in touch with people who support you
• Learn where campus or local counseling is
• Save crisis numbers in your phone

The Family Acceptance Project measured things like standing up for a child when others mistreat them, supporting how they express their gender, and speaking positively about their identity.

Accepting actions that help

• Learn more, and connect with other parents of LGBTQ+ kids
• Say “I love you” and “Thank you for telling me”
• Stand up for them if others are unkind
• Use the name and pronouns your child asks for
• Welcome their friends and partners

Many parents start out unsure and become more supportive as they learn. In the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, 44% of 16- and 17-year-olds whose immediate family knew they were trans said their family was supportive or very supportive.

Relatives can be a big source of support, or of stress at family gatherings. Parents can help by talking to relatives ahead of time, asking them to use the right name and pronouns, and stepping in if someone is unkind.

Worry, surprise, grief for the future you imagined, or fear for their safety are all common. They are human.

LGBTQ+ students are more likely to be bullied at school (29% vs 16% of cisgender, heterosexual students).

Signs to notice

• Changes in mood, sleep or eating
• Dropping grades
• Not wanting to go to school
• Pulling away from friends or activities

If you see these, gently check in. Work out together what to do, rather than acting for them without asking.

Look for a therapist who is LGBTQ+-affirming: someone who sees your child’s identity as part of them, not the problem. Any approach that tries to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is harmful.

• “Are you sure? Maybe it’s a phase.”
• Blaming friends, the internet or yourself
• Outing them to others without permission
• Pushing them to change, hide or “tone it down”

Instead, try: “Thank you for telling me.” “I love you no matter what.” “How can I help?”

If you depend on your family for a home or money, it may be safer to wait before sharing more. That is a smart choice, not hiding who you are.

In the 2022 U.S. Transgender Survey, 8% of adults who grew up with family said they had been kicked out because they were trans. Having a backup plan matters.

A backup plan might include

• A friend or relative you could stay with
• Crisis numbers saved in your phone
• A trusted adult at school who knows what is going on

Supportive friends, teachers, coaches, relatives and LGBTQ+ groups can offer the acceptance you are missing at home. LGBTQ+ young people in very accepting communities reported far fewer suicide attempts (8%) than those in very unaccepting ones (20%).

In the 2024 Trevor Project survey, 13% of LGBTQ+ young people had been threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy. Among them, 27% attempted suicide in the past year, compared with 9% of those who were not.

If this is happening to you, tell a trusted adult at school, or reach out to The Trevor Project. Many faith communities are affirming, and it is possible to hold onto both faith and identity.

Many schools have LGBTQ+ and ally clubs. They can be a place to make friends, feel normal and have fun. The CDC notes GSAs are linked with a stronger sense of purpose and self-esteem, and that the benefits reach straight students too.

In The Trevor Project’s 2024 survey, 78% of LGBTQ+ young people in school said they had at least one supportive, affirming adult there.

That might be a teacher, counselor, nurse, coach or librarian. Knowing who they are before you need them helps.

In the 2024 Trevor Project survey, LGBTQ+ young people who were bullied attempted suicide at three times the rate of those who were not (18% vs 6%).

What helps

• Keep a record of what happened, with dates
• Stay near friends or supportive adults
• Tell a trusted adult
• Ask your parent or carer to help talk to the school

• Ask about anti-bullying policies and how they are used
• Ask whether staff get training on supporting LGBTQ+ students
• Ask whether there is a GSA or similar club
• Check with your child before raising anything on their behalf

The CDC encourages schools to start new GSAs or strengthen the ones they have, because of their links to safety and connectedness.

Online communities can help you find people like you. The Trevor Project runs TrevorSpace, an online community for LGBTQ+ young people.

In The Trevor Project’s 2024 survey, 35% of LGBTQ+ young people aged 13–17 said they had been cyberbullied in the past year.

What helps

• Block, mute and report, without replying
• Make your accounts private if you are being targeted
• Screenshot serious threats and show a trusted adult or the platform
• Take a screen break and spend time with people who see you

Be careful sharing personal details or meeting people from the internet. Trust your gut, and tell a trusted person if something feels wrong.

Good habits

• Check who can see your posts and photos
• Don’t share your address, school or passwords
• Meet only in public places, with a friend who knows where you are

The top reasons were being afraid to talk about mental health (42%), cost (40%) and not wanting to ask a parent’s or caregiver’s permission (37%). 24% feared being outed, and 22% did not feel providers would understand their identity.

The Trevor Project offers 24/7 calls, texts and chat with trained counselors, and 988 is available to everyone.

A school counselor can also be a good first step. Ask them what they keep private before you share.

You do not have to explain everything. Something like “I’ve been feeling really low and I’d like to talk to someone” is enough. You do not have to share your identity to ask for help with your mood.

• Call: 1-866-488-7386
• Chat: thetrevorproject.org/get-help
• Text: START to 678-678

Free, confidential and available 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S.

Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time of day or night. It is also for parents and others worried about someone.

Text HOME to 741741 in the U.S. to reach a live, trained crisis counselor. It is free and confidential.

• U.S.: (877) 565-8860
• Canada: (877) 330-6366

Answered by trans peers on weekdays. Check their website for current hours.

Find A Helpline lists free, confidential helplines around the world, including for young people.