Many parents in Connecticut are reeling as they try to anticipate how to help their LGBT children, while the national dialogue seems to be swinging from acceptance back toward intolerance. Although we live in a blue state, sadly, I have seen an increase in LGBT youth reporting they are encountering slurs and hostility in Granby and online. As a therapist, one of the reasons I was so happy to see us moving toward inclusivity and acceptance (terms I personally and professionally embrace) was the impact on LGBT youth suicide. The greater the family and community acceptance, the lower the LGBT suicide rates.
Did you know that there is no longer specialized LGBT support offered when a person calls 988?
If we cannot rely on national support, we need to rely on local community support. One thing the Youth Service Bureau can offer is a space for a Parent Support Group for families raising LGBT youth. Is there a need for this kind of local support group? Would you be interested? If so, the Youth Service Bureau is offering space and a facilitator on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.
You can call 860-844-5355 to express interest. If there are several parents interested, I will reach out to let everyone know when we can start the group.