When Albany SHS rang me and asked if I would write something for their social media page about being the parent of an LGBTQ+ teen, I said, “Sure, no problem.” But then I started thinking: What do I actually write?

First of all, I am incredibly proud and thankful for my teen for coming out to us when he did. Imagine having to share something so personal, at such a tricky age. In the months before he came out as a trans boy, our teen had changed. He had withdrawn from us. Our perky, chatty, social kiddo seemed to disappear, replaced with someone quiet and distant. I told myself, maybe this is just teenagehood—moodiness, wanting space, not hanging out with family as much. What I didn’t realise at the time was the kind of turmoil he was carrying inside.

The day he came out, through a letter he wrote us, was life-changing. At first, it was a shock, and yes—there were tears. You can’t just flip a switch and instantly adjust to a new identity for your child. But what my husband and I knew straight away was this: we didn’t want to get this wrong. That was the first thing I said to my coworkers later, when they found me having an anxiety attack. My biggest fear was for my child’s mental health—how would bullies, society, and even everyday life treat him? As parents, we already worry constantly about our kids’ future, but now I felt my child would have a target on his back.

Thankfully, I was surrounded by supportive people who encouraged me to reach out for help. I spoke with psychologists at the school where I work, and they guided us to Headspace. Headspace were incredible. From the very beginning, they modelled what acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth looks like. We had family meetings—first with our son, then with us, and finally all together. That process gave us the space to navigate our feelings while keeping our child’s wellbeing at the centre.

Since then, we’ve been learning and growing as a family. Our son has been patient with us as we adjusted to his new name and pronouns. We’ve stumbled at times, but we self-correct, and in return, we’ve gotten our child back. Our chatty, perky kiddo—the one who laughs, hangs out, and shares his world with us—is here again.

We can’t protect him from every slur or sideways glance, but we can be the safe place he comes home to, where he knows he is loved exactly as he is. And that gives me hope. Hope that each year, as more people understand and accept the LGBTQ+ community, the world will become a little kinder.

That’s why Wear it Purple Day matters so much. It’s a day to stand with LGBTQ+ youth, to celebrate them, and to remind every teen that they are valued, supported, and never alone. For me, as a parent, it’s a reminder of the power of love, acceptance, and the importance of letting our kids be who they truly are.

Check out the links below to learn more about talking to your children and being an ally.

https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/gender-identity/


https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/sexuality-and-sexual-identity/