Most of the existing research I found focused on negativity in the relationships between lesbian and gay teens and their parents. No research I easily found considered the possibility of acceptance and support from the family.
A study conducted by Ryan and Russell (2010) looked at the relationships between a gay/lesbian teen and their parents at the time of the "coming out". The researchers looked at a group of 245 teens and found that the teens who expected a negative reaction from friends and family also reported they had a problem with substance abuse. Another part of their study assessed the relationship between the health of the teen and family rejection. Their study showed clear associations between parental rejecting behaviors during adolescence and the use of illegal drugs, depression, attempted suicide, mental health problems and sexual risk by the gay/lesbian teens. But, they also discovered that after their parents become sensitized to the need and well-being of the teens, many family relationships improve (Ryan and Russell, 2010).
I feel that gay/lesbian teenagers whose family has rejected them would be at the most serious risk for serious emotional distress. I want to always try my hardest to help my children be happy and be who they really are on the inside. My job as a parent is to support and love my children no matter what their sexual orientation. I want them to be able to be honest and open with me about who they are as a person without the fear of me ever rejecting them. If one of my children choose a different sexual orientation I will support them and let them know they are loved and accepting....I feel every parent should always do the same. If my children are happy...then I am happy.
Diaz, R., Huebner, D., Russell, S.T., Ryan, C., Sanchez, J. (2010). Family acceptance in adolescence and the health of LGBT young adults. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 23(4), 205-213.
Molly I really wish every family had your mindset about if your children are happy then you are happy. One of my friends who came out when he was a senior in HS was told the day he turned 18 he had to get out of the house. Both his mother and father did not agree with who he was. It really is a shame. If more people let go of the discrimination and accepted people for who they were, maybe there would not be as much hate and hostility around.
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