Navigating the challenges of growing up can be difficult for any young person trying to figure out who they are as their bodies change and their emotions run wild. And when a teen identifies as LGBTQ+, coming out to their families can be yet another significant stressor.Having a teen come out can also be a challenge for parents, who may feel a range of emotions in the moment, such as pride and anxiety about what may lie ahead for their child. Parents may question the best way to respond while worrying about their childs health and safety. Related My parents response to my coming out chilled me to the bone. Cutting them out brought me peace. When a teen comes out, it introduces a new set of experiences, needs, and emotions into the parent-child relationship. Understanding how to react and proceed can set the stage for a healthy and supportive relationship.Research shows that parental acceptance of their LGBTQ+ children is crucial, as it allows them to grow into adulthood with a healthy sense of self, better mental health, and greater life satisfaction overall. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Responding in the momentWhen your teen asks you to talk and then tells you that they are LGBTQ+, how you respond as a parent in that moment is critical. Your teenager is showing courage and trust in you at this moment, and your next few words will not only shape their self-esteem but also your relationship with them for years or even decades.The first step is to pause and refrain from interrupting. The next step is to listen. Let your teen share their feelings, even if they struggle to find the words. Try to silence your knee-jerk opinions or reactions, allowing your child the space to communicate openly.Your reaction should convey unconditional love that is not contingent upon their identity or orientation. Language such as I love you, and I understand this is hard for you, so thank you for trusting me, can let your teen know that they made the right decision opening up to you. Parents should be mindful to avoid judgment and questions such as Are you sure? or Do you think this is just a phase? These responses can make the teen feel dismissed or as if their feelings are invalid. Instead, ensure that any responses celebrate their honesty and affirm their identity.The coming out talk should also include your teens personal experiences and what they need from you as their parents in terms of support. Respect your teens wishes when choosing to come out to others and let them lead the way in further conversations.With unconditional love and understanding, you will be able to provide your teen the support they will need as they navigate the next steps. Health and safetyOne of the primary concerns of parents when their teen comes out is their childs health and safety. Many of todays parents vividly remember the peak of the AIDS epidemic and are keenly aware that health concerns for the LGBTQ+ community remain. In addition, anti-LGBTQ+ violence is on the rise, creating understandable concern for parents whose children have recently come out.Parents can help teens navigate these unique challenges by, first and foremost, providing them with a judgment-free and safe space within the home. When a newly out teen feels safe at home with their family, they can carry that love and acceptance out into the real world once they reach adulthood.It is true that the LGBTQ+ community stands at increased risk for STDs such as HIV, which makes finding affirming healthcare providers for regular checkups monumentally important. Parents can help their teen find doctors, specialists, or clinics with experience treating LGBTQ+ youth. Many LGBTQ+-affirming clinics will offer benefits such as mental health support groups and free HIV testing, normalizing care for sexual and mental health and setting the stage for lifelong wellness. Let love be your guideComing out to ones parents is a seminal moment in the life of an LGBTQ+ person. As a parent, how you respond to this declaration of self can determine the relationship you have with your teen going forward. A parents acceptance of their LGBTQ+ teen arms them with courage, self-esteem, and resilience to step out into the world with confidence in who they are.When you support the needs of your LGBTQ+ child, whether by using the right pronouns or helping them find inclusive healthcare resources, you send them an indelible message: They are loved and they matter. That is something that will stay with them forever.ThresaGilesis the Chief Executive Officer ofHope & Help, Central Floridas leading nonprofit dedicated to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. With over 30 years of experience across the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, Thresa brings extensive leadership expertise in finance, operations, compliance, and organizational development. Prior to joining Hope & Help, Thresa served as Chief Financial Officer of Stand for Children, Inc., a national nonprofit advancing education and social equity. Her career has spanned key functional areas, including procurement, regulatory compliance, grant administration, and asset management. Thresas leadership is driven by a vision of strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to care through strategic growth, innovation, and team development. Her work has earned her accolades such as the Jacksonville Women of Influence Award, the Ultimate CFO Award, and the State of Delaware Outstanding Leader Award.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.