For parents, caregivers, teachers & friends
The people around them matter most.
When a young person has even one accepting adult or friend, their risk of depression and suicide drops sharply. You don’t have to have all the answers — showing up is what counts. Here’s how.
Start with these
Simple things that help.
However you know them, three things help almost everyone: listen without judgment, use their name and pronouns, and keep showing up. You can learn the rest as you go — and the resources here are for you, too.
Listen more than you fix
You don’t need solutions. Being heard without judgment is often the most protective thing of all.
Use their name and pronouns
Getting it right — and correcting yourself gently when you slip — is one of the clearest signals of acceptance.
Keep their privacy
Let them decide who knows and when. Being outed before they’re ready can put a young person at real risk.
Learn alongside them
You won’t know everything, and that’s fine. Curiosity beats perfection — look things up, ask kindly, keep showing up.
Worried about someone right now?
The Trevor Project supports people who care about an LGBTQ+ young person, too — 24/7.
Why it matters
Acceptance changes outcomes.
Sources: The Trevor Project — Accepting Adults Reduce Suicide Attempts (2019) & 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People.
Guides & resources for you.
Starting the conversation
How to open up a supportive talk — and what to do if a young person comes out to you.
Read guideMaking school safer
Practical steps for teachers and staff to build an affirming classroom and campus.
Read guideSupport for supporters
Groups like PFLAG where you can ask questions and connect with others walking the same path.
Find a group