Released: ShoutOut's LGBTQIA+ Parents & Guardians Guide

ShoutOut’s LGBTQIA+ Guide for Parents and Guardians is now available online as a free resource.

The guide has been designed to give parents and guardians - whether they have LGBTQIA+ children or not - information on terminology and how they can support LGBTQIA+ young people. This guide provides a rundown on different sexual orientations, gender identities and other relevant information about some of the issues and struggles LGBTQIA+ people still face.

Created by ShoutOut’s steering committee member Domhnaill Harkin and featuring contributions from Mary McAleese, Katherine Zappone, Dr Lydia Foy and ShoutOut’s Executive Director Aifric Ní Chríodáin

Often when a child comes out to their parents or guardians, even though they are welcomed with love and support, many parents and guardians have worries and anxieties as to what kind of life their child will have, many of which are unfounded. This guide aims to dispel some of these myths and to help parents and guardians understand more of what is going on in the life of an LGBTQIA+ young person. We hope this guide leads to many parents and guardians realising that their child will have a healthy and happy life, and a life that they can be a part of.

We hope this guide gives parents the knowledge and awareness they need on issues they may not be aware of, the confidence to talk about LGBTQIA+ identities with young people, and ways to build inclusive homes for young people of all identities.