LGBTQ+

You may have heard the abbreviation LGBTQ+. Do you know what it stands for and what it encompasses?

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LGBTQ+ is an abbreviation for – Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and more. This term encompasses sexual orientation and gender identity. Sexual orientation describes a person’s emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to other people. Gender identity is an internal, deeply felt sense of being male, female, a blend of both or neither. Some teens are searching for support with how they view themselves and parents can play an important role in this.

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You may also hear the term ally. Allies are individuals who support and stand up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people.

GSA clubs are student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied students to build community, provide support, and raise awareness.  A growing body of research shows that the presence of a GSA club has a positive and lasting effect on student health, wellness, and academic performance. It can also protect students from harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity, and improve school climates for all students in the long-term.

• PFLAG Tampa

• PFLAG Riverview

• Coming Out: Information for Parents of LGBT Teens

• Gender Identity Development in Children

• Gender-Diverse & Transgender Children

• Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Teens: Facts for Teens and Their Parents

• Parenting a Gender Diverse Child: Hard Questions Answered

• Support Resources for Families of Gender Diverse Youth

• Teenshealth.org Sexual Orientation