Parents and Caretakers

I’m a parent or caretaker of an LGBTQ child. What resources are available to help me learn and be supportive of my child?

Raising Rainbows is OUTreach’s parent support group that meets once a month.

Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a support group for family and friends of LGBTQ people. This is a great page for parents to find answers to questions and support. Included is the link to the Indianapolis PFLAG chapter, which is the closest PFLAG chapter to the Muncie area.

ParentCentral.net is a site that offers parents anonymity and information. If you can’t find the answer to your question about your child on their Web site, you will have the opportunity to ask your questions and receive answers from trained Counselors within a 24-hour period. (they are currently working on their Web site – February 2017)

ParentFurther is an information and educational site, designed to enrich family life and support positive parenting.

Family Equality Council connects, supports, and represents the three million parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer in this country and their six million children.

Child Welfare League of America is a powerful coalition of hundreds of private and public agencies serving children and families that are vulnerable. Their expertise, leadership and innovation on policies, programs, and practices help improve the lives of millions of children across the country.

Trans Youth Family Allies (TYFA) is an international resource with local roots in Indianapolis. TYFA “empowers children and families by partnering with educators, service providers and communities, to develop supportive environments in which gender may be expressed and respected.” TYFA is a wonderful resource for parents, educators, and healthcare practitioners looking for support and information. IMATYFA (the Indiana site) is currently under construction but you may contact them through their Facebook account.

Colage – National organization for support of children of LGBTQ parents

How can I be a better parent ally? 

Check out our page on allies for more information. For an in-depth understanding of the LGBTQ child or teen in your care, read through this guide.

Is conversion therapy ever okay?

If you are thinking of conversion therapy for your child, know that it causes irreversible psychological harm and could permanently damage your relationship with your child. The report listed on the Human Resource Campaign’s website can help you learn more: https://www.hrc.org/resources/just-as-they-are