Introduction
LGBTQ youths are affected by family dynamics, particularly parental acceptance or rejection, according to Gabb et al. (2019). For Sociology of the Family students, this topic helps them understand human experiences within a societal framework. Historical, social, economic, and political effects on personal relationships and families might help explain this problem. LGBTQ youths’ wellbeing depends on the family, with numerous studies have shown that family acceptance improves LGBTQ teenagers’ wellbeing (McDermott et al., 2019). Several methods are used to validate and confirm teenage LGBTQ identities via family acceptance. These strategies may include engaging with LGBTQ role models and cultivating an inclusive and supportive religious environment for those who identify as LGBTQ. Family rejection may lead LGBTQ adolescents to feel depressed, use drugs, and consider suicide. For LGBTQ youth, the effect on families is crucial. Thus, this article examines the numerous factors that affect family acceptance or rejection. This article examines how family acceptance or rejection affects LGBTQ youth’s health. It will examine family acceptance and rejection variables. This study will discuss family acceptance and LGBTQ youth support programs and policies. A thorough analysis of this topic may help people understand LGBTQ teenagers’ lives and develop strategies to improve their wellbeing and social integration.
Literature Review
This research paper’s literature review is based on four peer-reviewed journal publications on social work released in the previous ten years. The articles shed attention on how families affect LGBTQ adolescents and emphasize how crucial family acceptance and support are to LGBTQ youth’s overall wellbeing. Mehus et al. (2017) explain why it’s crucial to understand how family and community environments interact to effect LGBTQ adolescent health. Despite the author’s emphasis on the importance of families accepting their LGBTQ child, it acknowledges that some families may struggle to do so.
Ramírez (2018) provides social work practitioners with a framework for working with at-risk LGBTQ-identified adolescents who could be having issues coming out. The significance of strengths-based social work practice, which recognizes the assets and strengths of LGBTQ communities and kids, and gay-positive practice is emphasized in the paper. The importance of family acceptance in fostering LGBTQ adolescent well-being is also highlighted in the research.
The study by Newcomb et al. (2019) utilizes research findings from a public symposium. The objective of this symposium was to analyze the current scientific evidence, identify areas where knowledge is lacking, and establish priority topics for future research on the impact of familial variables on the health of LGBTQ kids. The essay emphasizes the need to foster creativity in research and the creation of interventions in order to tackle the health disparities faced by LGBTQ kids effectively.
Brown et al. (2020) critically analyze studies on family relationships and transgender and gender-nonconforming adolescents’ health and well-being. To make young people feel comfortable in unfamiliar environments, the essay underscores the significance of tangible parental acceptance of gender identity and the influence that family rejection has on TGD juvenile homelessness.
Cornell University (2021) researchers examined how LGBTQ children felt when their families accepted them. The article cites 42 scholarly research that finds a correlation between parents’ tolerance of their LGBTQ children and their health and happiness. The paper also emphasizes the value of family counseling, anticipatory advice, and referrals for further family assistance in reducing risk and improving kid wellbeing for LGBTQ communities.
Factors that promote family acceptance of LGBTQ youth
Families’ acceptance and support play a vital role in fostering wellbeing and safeguarding children, especially LGBTQ+ children, from harm. LGBTQ youth must have family acceptance to overcome stigma, loneliness, and bullying. Approval from family members might look like encouraging a teen to embrace their LGBTQ identity, connecting them with positive LGBTQ role models, or working to increase religious tolerance. It has been established via research that family acceptance significantly impacts LGBTQ youth’s health and happiness. Family acceptance protects against depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation and behavior while also bolstering a person’s social network, sense of worth, and physical wellbeing. On the other hand, rejection from family damages LGBTQ youth’s health and other significant consequences while also undermining family bonds. Families could support LGBTQ adolescents by modeling behaviors that encourage inclusion within the family.
Affirming children’s gender expression and sexual orientation is one example that entails embracing and recognizing their individuality. Speaking with kids about their LGBTQ identity is another example of how you may support and understand them. Introducing young people to LGBTQ role models may also be helpful since it gives them good examples of those who have succeeded in life (Newcomb et al., 2019). Additionally, it might be beneficial to look for a faith community that accepts LGBTQ adolescents and their families or to try to get religious congregations to be more accepting of LGBTQ individuals. Research that is encouraging demonstrates the significance of grandparents and siblings in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. It is noteworthy that familial acceptance and support play a crucial role in fostering wellbeing and safeguarding adolescents, particularly LGBTQ+ youth, from potential hazards. As a result, families must show support by comprehending their needs and experiences and reacting to them in a way that is both acceptable and good.
Factors that contribute to family rejection of LGBTQ youth
The issue of family rejection that LGBTQ youths experience is critical because it could hurt both the general welfare of the young people and their respective family units. Many factors contribute to the rejection of LGBTQ youth by their families, including limited comprehension, cultural or religious convictions, and apprehension of societal stigma. A common factor contributing to the rejection of LGBTQ youngsters by their families is a shortage of comprehension. Numerous households may lack precise knowledge about sexual orientation and gender identity, resulting in misconceptions and unfavorable attitudes toward LGBTQ adolescents. Cultural and religious views may also serve as contributing factors to familial rejection since some cultures and faiths see homosexuality as morally or spiritually objectionable (Newcomb et al., 2019).
The apprehension of facing social stigma is an additional element that might contribute to familial rejection, as families may have concerns over the potential societal judgments, they may encounter in the event of having a child who identifies as LGBTQ. The adverse consequences of familial rejection on the dynamics of family relationships and the overall welfare of adolescents and their family members are substantial. The issue of family rejection is linked to an increased susceptibility to depression and substance abuse, as well as the emergence of suicidal ideation and behaviors among young people who identify as LGBTQ. The revelation of a young individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity can lead to strained familial relationships since family members may experience emotions such as distress, resentment, or perplexity. Family rejection may have an impact on the psychological and general wellbeing of parents and relatives. These individuals may confront various emotional challenges, including shame, embarrassment, and exclusion.
It is essential to recognize that the occurrence of familial rejection is not an inevitable consequence, as families can implement strategies targeted at cultivating acceptance and offering assistance to their LGBTQ children. The Family Acceptance Project has been researched to identify various activities that have shown the ability to promote acceptance among families. These behaviors include actions such as affirming the sexual orientation and gender expression of children, actively participating in open and constructive dialogues with children on their LGBTQ identity, and enabling opportunities for children to establish connections with LGBTQ role models. The word of support by families via knowledge and the provision of appropriate and positive responses to their experiences and needs holds significant importance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to recognize and address the impact that families have on LGBTQ adolescents, especially parental acceptance or rejection. Family acceptance shields LGBTQ adolescents, yet family rejection may have detrimental repercussions on their wellbeing. Supporting a young person’s LGBTQ identity, putting them in touch with LGBTQ role models, and trying to get religious congregations to be accepting of LGBTQ people are all examples of family acceptance. However, LGBTQ kids who experience familial rejection are more likely to share despair, drug addiction, and suicidal thoughts and actions. It is noteworthy that domestic acceptance and support play a crucial role in fostering wellbeing and safeguarding adolescents, particularly LGBTQ+ youth, from potential hazards. Families must recognize their needs and experiences and react to them in a suitable and supportive way to show their support.
Only a tiny portion of LGBTQ adolescents, according to studies, feel that their homes are LGBTQ-affirming. This emphasizes the need for programs and laws that help LGBTQ adolescents by encouraging family acceptance and support. This study has important ramifications for programs and regulations that protect LGBTQ adolescents by encouraging family acceptance and approval. Specific acts that encourage family acceptance include affirming children’s gender identity and sexual orientation, having talks with them about their LGBTQ identities, and exposing them to LGBTQ role models. Families may also try to challenge damaging misconceptions and biases about LGBTQ individuals by seeking knowledge and assistance from LGBTQ-affirming institutions and organizations.
References
Brown, C., Porta, C. M., Eisenberg, M. E., McMorris, B. J., & Sieving, R. E. (2020). Family Relationships and The Health and Wellbeing of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth: A Critical Review. LGBT Health, 7(8), 407–419. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2019.0200
Cornell University. (2021, August 18). What does the scholarly research say about the link between family acceptance and LGBT youth wellbeing? | What We Know. What We Know. https://whatweknow.inequality.cornell.edu/topics/lgbt-equality/what-does-the-scholarly-research-say-about-the-acceptancerejection-of-lgbt-youth-2/
Lawlis, S. M. (2021, February 16). The importance of family acceptance for LGBTQ youth.
MDedge Pediatrics. https://www.mdedge.com/pediatrics/article/235976/mental-health/importance-family-acceptance-lgbtq-youth
McDermott, E., Gabb, J., Eastham, R., & Hanbury, A. (2019). Family trouble: Heteronormativity, emotion work and queer youth mental health. Health, 25(2), 177–195. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363459319860572
Mehus, C. J., Watson, R. J., Eisenberg, M. E., Corliss, H. L., & Porta, C. M. (2017). Living as an LGBTQ adolescent and a parent’s child: overlapping or separate experiences. Journal of Family Nursing, 23(2), 175–200. https://doi.org/10.1177/1074840717696924
Newcomb, M. E., LaSala, M. C., Bouris, A., Mustanski, B., Prado, G., Schrager, S. M., & Huebner, D. M. (2019). The Influence of Families on LGBTQ Youth Health: A call to Action for innovation in research and intervention development. LGBT Health, 6(4), 139–145. https://doi.org/10.1089/lgbt.2018.0157
Ramírez, M. (2018, July 3). Toward a practice framework with At-Risk LGBTQ-Identified youth. SocialWorker.com. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/practice/toward-a-practice-framework-with-at-risk-lgbtq-identified-youth/
Young, S. R. (2019). Chapter 8: LGBTQ+ Relationships and Families. Pressbooks. https://milnepublishing.geneseo.edu/introlgbtqstudies/chapter/lgbtq-relationships-and-families/
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