Be honest with your LGBT kids about life’s challenges.
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This comment was by Evan in reference to the post – What Do I Tell My LGBT Teens After the Orlando Shootings?
This is going to sound … harsh, however, it comes from the reality of living as an LGBT person (I’m trans). Don’t lie. Don’t tell them “It Get’s Better” (hint: it doesn’t).
Hug them. Tell them people are screwed up. Let them know that LGBT people are made of tough stuff, and we are made that way because we have to be.
We face shit other people can’t even imagine. Sometimes they’ll go through periods of their lives where things seem very smooth, where they may be able to live their lives with their status as an LGBT person as just another facet of who they are as an individual. However, they will also go through times where that part of their identity will be central to their everyday existence. In these times, the world may treat them harshly, violently or unfairly; perhaps all three. It comes with the territory. It’s not fair, and it’s not right – it just IS.
So I guess my stance is, be honest. Don’t be overly optimistic, and don’t beat the drum of retreat. Own the situation. Talk about how it sucks, see how your kids feel about it. You are a visitor in their culture, let them lead the way.
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