Parenting in LGBT Families

Introduction

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) is a community of different gender identities. The exclusion of this community from society begins with their houses. Parents are not ready to accept the individuality of their children, mainly because of social status. Their mental, social and physical life becomes miserable from childhood. But nowadays changes are seen in some families and organisations where they are supporting their rights. And this community is represented by a rainbow. Parents of this community have to mentally support their children rather than avoid them.

What are the Problems and Challenges faced by the LGBT community?

Discrimination and social exclusion of the LGBT community exist in every part of the world. As an individual, they lack the rights for basic needs in their life. And most of them face violence and suppression from families and society. Below mentioned are the few issues faced by this community.

Social Exclusion and Marginalization

Marginality is at the heart of exclusion from full social life fulfilment at the interpersonal, individual, and societal levels. Those around you have little control over their lives and resources. They can become stereotypes and are often subject to negative attitudes from the public. Opportunities to contribute to society are limited, self-esteem and self-confidence are reduced, and they may become isolated.

Psychological Distress

LGBT people face significant stigma, injustice, and harassment daily. The superiority of LGBT people has the support of family and friends and learn to cope by participating in LGBT grouping and social networks.

Poor Economic Situation and Workplace Discrimination

Along with all the physiological problems the LGBT community face poverty and racism. As they are facing discrimination from the workplace and society, making their life miserable. They need to get equal rights for everyone. Then only socioeconomic life can be improved.

Barriers to Care

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender face unique challenges in locating and receiving competent and affirming healthcare. Heterosexist assumptions can harm the treatment quality, and many LGBT people are afraid to seek help for fear of having a negative experience.

Victims of Crime

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people, as well as those perceived to be LGBT, are frequent targets of hate crimes and violence. Throughout their lives, LGBT people face stigma and discrimination, and they are survivors of sexual and physical assault, harassment, and racial violence.

How does LGBT affect child development?

Most teenagers do not reveal their identity to their family or others, due to being afraid of rejection from them. This is because they have seen how the family and society are going to be excluded from common life. This condition will impact the child's development. Even they can go to the physiological problem at a young age.

Studies Family Acceptance Project concluded the following observations −

• That the reaction of families to their gay or lesbian can impact their entire life. It will have a huge impact on their physical and mental health.

• Reactions of families towards LGBT children were recognized by FAP researchers. And they found out that half of the families accept, but the remaining half are unacceptable due to socioeconomic status.

• According to the studies of FAP, researchers mention that a family who can cope with their children's LGBT identity with heterosexuals can have a positive influence on children's life.

• Compared to families who are ashamed of their children's identity. The main reason for the issues arising in the families is due to their lack of proper communication between the parents and children. Along with this less awareness about gender identity can lead to conflict within the families.

• As a part of it, young LGBT individuals have to move away or forcefully remove themselves from their homes. This situation will end up with serious issues. Some are moved to juvenile detention and foster care. All these can impact a child’s life.

What are 3 ways to help LGBTQ peers feel safer?

LGBTQ community is unable to maintain a normal life. Theta has to face many problems for its existence. As a part of society, we can help them by following ways. They are −

• Include sexual orientation in the curriculum. To normalise the LGBT community.

• Give equal priority in school, the workplace, and other public spaces. Provide them equal rights in terms of law, to live a common life.

• Speak out against homophobia, transphobia, and anti-LGBTQ discrimination and harassment. And also support the community's pride festival.

Conclusion

LGBT is a widely accepted term for gender and sexual orientation minorities. This community's exclusion from society starts from their houses. Compared to a majority of people in society LGBT members have to go through injustice in both culture and social life. Because of a lack of awareness about this community to all, they are unable to completely enjoy their rights as common. They face different problems in society and in their family. It is the responsibility of each individual in the society and law to give them equal rights.

FAQs

Q1. Who is the first LGBT in the world?

Ans. Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum are thought to be the first recorded same-sex couple.

Q2. Who started LGBT history?

Ans. LGBTQ+ History Month was founded in the United States as Lesbian and Gay History Month in October 1994. Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher from Missouri, founded it.

Q3. Why is Pride Month important?

Ans. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is observed each June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots and to work toward equal justice and opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans.