To parents who find a child's disclosure about sexual or gender identity challenging, I always urge what I'd call "moderated" honesty. If you can't say "I love you," then say something like, "I'm going to need some time to digest this news." Buy time this way. And then think.
Steven PetrowEvery generation seems to have its members who think the world has gone to hell and a hand basket and that they need to explain a challenging world to their kids.
Steven PetrowI really don't understand how parents can talk about gay couples' PDA as a problem or a transgender teen's suicide and not the fact that too many of our kids are being murdered in the schools and on the streets.
Steven PetrowCalling a trans person by their former name is referred to as "deadnaming" and is considered highly offensive to most trans people I know.
Steven PetrowBeing LGBT is not a choice. It's not about "a sexual proclivity." It's not a "lifestyle," as you put it. It's about our identity. Pride is a time when we come together to celebrate our community and when others do, too. Just as we do for other racial, ethnic, and religious groups that are part of the "tossed salad" nature of our society.
Steven Petrow