• Contact Me | Appointments

    1221 E. 33rd Street | Ste 100 | Tulsa, OK 74105-2046
    brentmusick@supportivecounselingoftulsa.com
    (918) 609-3449

  • Brent Musick - Supportive Counseling of Tulsa

    • Home
    • About
    • Services
    • Getting Started
      • Client Forms
      • Rates & Insurance
      • Request An Appointment
    • FAQs
    • Resources
      • Latest News
      • National Physical Health Links
      • National Mental Health Links
    • Contact Me
    • Blog

    How to Support LGBTQ Teens Coming Out

    May 12, 2018

    The LGBTQ movement has made some landmark strides in the past decade. The “Don’t Ask – Don’t Tell” policy was repealed, health insurance discrimination has been prevented, and same-sex marriage has been legalized nationwide. This, in combination with greater awareness and visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in society and the media, has helped LGBTQ teens find the courage to come out to their families and friends.

    Though it is easier for teens to come out today than in generations past, that does not mean they do not need support, and plenty of it. Here are a few important ways you can support LGBTQ teens in coming out:

    1. Encourage Authenticity

    There are different levels of coming out. Some teenagers may find the courage to say the words, yet still have a hard time fully expressing themselves. If left unchecked, this muted self-expression can lead to anxiety and depression down the road. Try to find ways to let young people in your life know they can be 100% authentic around you.

    2. Help Create Safe Spaces

    Take a look around your local community to see if there are safe spaces for LGBTQ youth. If not, what can you do to change that? You might want to consider contacting school board officials and encourage them to adopt inclusive policies. Another way to ensure your community is safe for LGBTQ teens is to not tolerate hate speech. There are also many resources online that offer the best practices in creating safe spaces for LGBTQ youth.

    3. Join the Fight

    Though the LGBTQ movement has come a long way, there is still much that needs to be done to ensure full LGBTQ equality. You can join the fight and stay up-to-date on local, state and federal advocacy.

    If you know an LGBTQ teen who needs some extra support and encouragement while coming out, you might suggest they speak with a professional counselor who can facilitate communication with family members and also offer coping tools and strategies.

    Share this:

    • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
    • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

    Related

    Filed Under: LGBTQ

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Supportive Counseling
    of Tulsa

    Brent Musick MA, LPC

    1221 E. 33rd Street Ste 100
    Tulsa, OK 74105-2046

    (918) 609-3449
    Email Me Now

    verified by Psychology Today

    Contact Me Today

    By submitting this form via this web portal, you acknowledge and accept the risks of communicating your health information via this unencrypted email and electronic messaging and wish to continue despite those risks. By clicking "Yes, I want to submit this form" you agree to hold Brighter Vision harmless for unauthorized use, disclosure, or access of your protected health information sent via this electronic means.
    Supportive Counseling of Tulsa | Brent Musick
    brentmusick@supportivecounselingoftulsa.com | (918) 609-3449
    A Website by Brighter Vision | Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Child on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in