Social Support Networks for LGBTQ+ Teens

Every LGBTQ+ teen deserves a place where they don’t feel a constant need to defend or explain themselves to everyone around them. Safe spaces for LGBTQ teenagers look different for everyone, but what matters most is that they’re out there and accessible for your child. 

Parents and caregivers who help their child to find family and peer support communicate that they don’t have to find their way alone – and neither do you as a parent. 

GSAs and School-Based Groups

Gender and Sexual Alliances, commonly known as GSAs, give LGBTQ+ teens a school-based community during the hours they’re already there. Much available research has linked GSA participation to lower rates of both depression and suicidal ideation among LGBTQ+ students. Walking into a room full of supportive peers can be incredibly comforting for a teenager who feels isolated in other parts of school.^[5]

Not every school has a GSA, but many GSA networks also offer resources to help students start their own. Having a supportive adult advisor makes the process even easier, which could be a wonderful opportunity for you to get involved. 

Community and Youth Center Programs

LGBTQ teen community support through local youth centers offers something the school environment can’t always provide: A space that exists outside of academic pressures and school-based hierarchies. Many LGBTQ+ youth centers run drop-in programs, mentorship opportunities, and other structured support groups for LGBTQ+ youth that are run by trained, professional staff. 

The Trevor Project, PFLAG, and the It Gets Better Project all have searchable directories of local resources in your area. 

Online Support Groups and Communities

Geography can be a limiting factor when it comes to support, even though it shouldn’t be. Teens living in rural areas, conservative communities, or in homes where they aren’t out yet can access online support groups for LGBTQ+ teens to find and forge new, meaningful connections. 

Help for isolated LGBTQ+ youth in these situations can come from moderated online communities, peer support platforms, and virtual groups run by places like The Trevor Project’s TrevorSpace. It’s important to note that unmoderated spaces can carry real risks, so it’s worthwhile to help your child identify places with clear safety guidelines and active oversight. 

There are also options for those who aren’t ready to speak up about their identity. In these instances, reading about others’ experiences in a safe forum can help to break down the feelings of isolation that so often accompany being an LGBTQ+ teen. 

Support Groups For Parents and Families

Mental health resources for LGBTQ+ adolescents are important. Yet, it’s important to recognize that parents are also working through their own feelings and need support as well, both for themselves and to better show up for their child. 

Mission Prep offers support groups specifically for parents navigating the pre-admission phase with their LGBTQ+ teen, providing a space to ask questions and connect with other families in similar situations. 

Peer Mentorship Programs

Peer support for queer teens offers paths to formal mentorship programs that connect younger LGBTQ+ teens with older peers. Through peer mentorship programs, teens can talk openly and honestly with people who have had similar experiences, making it easier to share their own journeys. 

Several national organizations can help your child make these connections. GLSEN and The Trevor Project are two examples. These organizations can serve as a bridge toward obtaining more formal support if needed.