Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth

During adolescence-a period defined by rapid physical, emotional and social development-LGBTQ+ youth often grapple with the decision to "come out" to their family or friends and disclose their gender and/or sexual identities. As University of Delaware research has shown, many LGBTQ+ young people avoid coming out, fearing rejection, social isolation and homophobic or transphobic aggression.

In recognition of National Coming Out Day, we spoke with UD Assistant Professors Eric Layland and Brittany Zakszeski, who study affirmative interventions for LGBTQ+ youth and school psychology in the College of Education and Human Development. They shared guidance and resources for parents, teachers and school leaders in supporting LGBTQ+ youth in the coming out process and fostering their well-being.

What can family members and friends do to support a young person in the coming out process?

Layland: As youth grow up, it is normal and healthy for them to explore many dimensions of their identities. No matter how they end up identifying, supporting their autonomy to explore and understand themselves can be very empowering, signaling to youth that they have loving, consistent support. Family, friends and teachers can create safe environments for LGBTQ+ youth to be authentically themselves by demonstrating their support for other LGBTQ+ people, by discussing gender and sexuality openly and with a willingness to listen, by trusting adolescents to know themselves and by validating adolescents when they express their identity, even if that identity changes later.

Zakszeski: Families can play an important role in supporting youth's well-being across contexts by building open communication with school staff and mental health professionals-while ensuring disclosure decisions remain in their youth's hands. Reaching out to school psychologists or other school staff can help families access resources, guidance and strategies to better understand and affirm their teen's identity. For example, some LGBTQ+ youth may benefit from practicing communication strategies, discussing safety considerations, learning new coping strategies and exploring community resources with the support of a school psychologist. Families can also collaborate with schools to ensure supportive environments, such as inclusive policies, safe spaces and connections to peer groups.

Both of you have already mentioned teachers and school staff. Why do schools have the unique potential to be important sites of support for LGBTQ+ youth?