LGBTQ

Here you will find links to resources for "lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning" (LGBTQ) youth, their families, and their friends.

The MCH Digital Library uses the term LGBTQ inclusively and with respect; Descriptions of materials use the specific terminology found in the material. For a summary of definitions and word usage, see the Wikipedia entry on LGBT.

Hotline and Support Services

The Trevor Project. Provides crisis-intervention and suicide-prevention services with a Trevor counselor to LGBTQ youth.
- The Trevor Lifeline: (866) 488-7386.
- TrevorChat. [opens an instant message chat box].
- TrevorText: Text START to 678678 [test messaging]
- TrevorSpace. [Social networking site].
- Trevor Support Center [Resources].

Websites for Youth

American Academy of Pediatrics: Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Teens—Facts for Teens and Their Parents. Definitions; answers to questions such as who is gay and what is normal; advice on who to talk to and coming out; a message for parents; and a list of organizations that may serve as resources.
It Gets Better Project. Over 50,000 user-created videos with positive messages of support for LGBTQ youth. The project raises awareness about suicide and bullying and funds prevention programs.
Lambda Legal: Youth. Legal advice and information in English and Spanish about laws to protect the rights of LGBTQ people in all 50 states.
National Education Association (NEA): Bully Free—It Starts with Me. Resources to help students and adults connect and advocate for measures to stop bullying in their schools and communities.
National Youth Advocacy Coalition. Blog for LGBTQ youth on topics such as education, finances, health, and travel.

Websites for Parents and Caregivers

Advocates for Youth: GLBTQ Issues Info for Parents. Tips for parents of LGBTQ youth including resources on talking about sex, sexuality, and values and the characteristics of parents of sexually healthy children.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Resources, events, and local chapter support groups. The Families of Color Network focuses on diverse communities including African-American, Asian-American, Eastern European, Latino, Muslim/Arab-American, and Native-American communities.
StopBullying.gov: Bullying and LGBT Youth. Strategies to prevent and address bullying of LGBTQ youth. Topics include creating a safe environment for LGBT youth, federal civil rights laws and sexual orientation, and additional resources.
Resources for Families of LGBTQ Youth. Child Welfare Information Gateway. Find resources to help families support their LGBTQ youth.

Electronic Resources for Parents and Families

Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (2022). Queering Perinatal Mental Health. In this podcast, Leo Andreas (he/him) and Jenna "JB" Brown (they/he) explore the unique perinatal mental health experiences of queer, trans, and gender non-conforming people.
Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). Supporting your LGBTQ Youth: A Guide for Foster Parent. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau. [Fact Sheet]
Ryan C. 2009. Supportive Families, Healthy Children: Helping Families with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Children. San Francisco, CA: San Francisco State University, Marian Wright Edelman Institute. [Booklet].

Find more LGBTQ resources in our LGBTQ professional resource brief and our LGBTQ school resource brief.

Learn more about adolescent health, bullying, social and emotional development in children and adolescents, sexuality education, and suicide prevention.

Need more information? Use the collection of resources that library staff have put together for you and your family.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Youth: Resources for Families. (October 2012, Updated November 2022).
Author: John Richards, M.A., MCH Digital Library.
Reviewers: Jolene Bertness, M.Ed., Susan Brune Lorenzo, M.L.S., Olivia Pickett, M.A., M.L.S., MCH Digital Library.
Editor: Ruth Barzel, M.A., MCH Digital Library.