My daughter is struggling with her sexual identity. Any advice on how to support her?
41 Answers
Moderated by Sarah Robb, LISW-S (Licensed Independent Social Worker, Supervisor Designation) and LICDC (Licenced Chemical Dependency Counselor)
Updated: May 30, 2022
Randy1
on
Apr 8, 2015
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You do exactly that. Support her. If she wants to see a professional, arrange that if at all possible. If she wants to read books on the subject, get those for her. Good for you for wanting to support her, but it sounds like you have the willingness, which is probably the most important thing you can have to help your daughter.
QueerMaddie
on
May 30, 2015
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Letting her know that you're there and supportive of the community is the most you can do. Pressuring her to come out to you can be harmful, as much as you might want her to.
Anonymous
on
Jun 29, 2015
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Tell her that you will be completely accepting of whatever she says she is. That's really all anyone struggling with their identity wants: acceptance.
Anonymous
on
Jul 13, 2015
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It not the best to give advice because it can be used to cause harm to your self or others. But I cane link you to a sit that is very helpful. http://www.lifeway.com/Article/sexuality-parenting-The-struggle-for-sexual-identity , just take the time to do some reading and learn about your daughters issue and support her
mik31299
on
Sep 19, 2015
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Giving her the room she needs to figure it out for herself is a good start but also at the same time making sure you're there for her when she's ready to come to you with questions and things of that nature. There are many support sites for parents where they can get answers to more difficult questions that they might be thinking and give ways to really support them.
itsfranziskaaaa
on
Nov 3, 2015
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Always tell her that you will stand with her no matter what, and no matter what she tells you, never make her feel bad about it. Also if she gets a girlfriend or a boyfriend try to be as supportive as you can. Kids will look up to their parents so if you are strong about it, then so will she
Emmastylinson21
on
Nov 18, 2015
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I would just let her know that you are here for her and you love/support her with what ever she is. Also maybe let her know that labels aren't that important, that she should just experience attraction freely and worry about what to call it later.
GraceKH
on
Nov 20, 2015
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Your daughter is probably going through a very difficult time right now and the best thing you can do as a parent is just be there and support her through the choices and decisions she makes. She may get it wrong, but having your support would make it so much easier for her.
Ginieboops
on
Nov 20, 2015
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Letting her know you will always be there for her no matter who she chooses to love is one of the most important things; enforcing this mentality is important to.
Also let her know that there's no rush to put a label on things and sexuality is fluid and always changing: every one is entitled to all the time they need working something like this out. Don't discourage experimentation, allow her to talk about them if she is comfortable using active listening allowing her to find her own answers so she truly understands her self. It could also help if you find all forms of sexuality (from asexual, pan sexual to swapo sexual).
Euphoria17
on
Nov 22, 2015
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It is normal for anyone to struggle when it comes to that subject. If you want to support her just be there for her and listen to her, tell her that it is okay to be lost and with time she'll know what her sexual orientation is. She doesn't need to rush things out. When she finds out what she really is just show her that it is okay and thag you will love her no matter what her sexual orientation is.
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