United States

From pride and joy to fear and worry, here’s how it feels to raise a proud gay teenager

Parents of proud gay teenagers may experience a wide range of emotions including pride, joy, fear and worry

Advertisement

Proud Gay Teenage (Representational Image)
info_icon

More gay people are coming out and embracing their identity. Among them, the majority of the numbers are kids. It has always been a tough call for children to reveal their identity and come out to their parents about their sexuality. However, many teenagers beautifully embrace their sexuality and are proud gay teenagers.

Raising a proud gay teenager is an emotional rollercoaster ride for parents. The journey is filled with mixed emotions, ups and downs, understanding, growth, and development. It is a chance for parents to learn about and support their child's identity and to help them navigate the challenges of being LGBTQ+ in the world.

Advertisement

Parents may experience countless feelings during this journey. From pride and joy to fear and worry, here is the set of emotions a parent may experience while raising a proud gay teenager.

1. Pride and Joy

After the child decides to come out with their identity, most parents have their first instinct of pride and joy. These parents support their kids no matter what the situation is and how others will react.

2. Fear and Worry

There may be times when a parent feels worried or concerned about their kid's security. Given the fact that society is not very welcoming of such revelations, parents are often worried about how their child will be treated by others, and they may fear for their safety.

Advertisement

3. Giving kids a safe space

Providing kids with a healthy environment at home is where a parent can create a safe zone for their gay kid. This will help the child open up about their feelings, experiences, and concerns.

4. Building Bonds with Kids

When kids come out to their parents, they are often scared to lose the bond, love, and affection from their parents. However, parents need to accept their child's reality and create a special and strong bond, fostering a relationship built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.

5. Love and Acceptance

The most important part a parent can play is to love and accept their child's identity. Parents should make their kids realize that no matter who they are and who they love, they will always receive support, love, and acceptance from their parents.
 

Advertisement