Research has confirmed that suicide rates and suicidal ideation among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth are significantly higher than among the general population. And sadly, LGBT adolescents also have the highest rate of suicide attempts, which the research believes is due to the bullying related to homophobia as well as rejection by families and parents. 

The topic of gender non-conforming and transgender is widely discussed in social media and the news but yet many parents don't really know how to talk about it with their own children. Knowing that acceptance of their child can literally save their lives, many listeners who are seeing signs and suspect their child is on the LGBT spectrum have asked: "How do I talk to my kid and let them know it's okay they are gay or trans before they are ready to come out to me?" 

Today's guest is Sarah Gilbert. She is a licensed therapist with a practice in Connecticut called Transitions Therapy and she specializes in working with the transgender community. 

In this episode, you will hear: 

• The differences between sexuality and gender identity
• How to bring up the topic if you suspect your child is on the LGBTQ spectrum
• What should parents definitely NOT do if their kid comes out to them
• What ages do kids actually know their own gender identity and sexual preferences
• The role of therapy for families 

Resources
Transitions Therapy website
Transitions Therapy Facebook
PFLAG