39: The 101 on Supporting LGBTQ Youth

In this interview with Dr. Emily Fisher, we talk A LOT about how to support LGBTQ+ children in our families, schools, and communities. We cover some definitions, such as what is sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as some of the common inclusive acronyms used by and for our queer and questioning youth (e.g., 2SLGBTQIA+, GSM, SOGI, SOGD, GSA). We also discuss how to respond when young people "come out" to us, how to proactively discuss gender identity and sexual orientation, and how to promote inclusion. Dr. Fisher shares the number one factor in improving mental health outcomes for LGBTQ youth. Spoiler alert - it's not "avoiding the conversation."  We also talk about how to help families reconcile religious beliefs while prioritizing the support of their child. 

Dr. Fisher (she/her) is a tenured professor of school psychology at Loyola Marymount University, with a focus on mental health and supporting LGBTQ+ youth. To contact Dr. Fisher regarding trainings, presentations, or workshop opportunities, email her at Emily.Fisher@lmu.edu 

Special thank you to Emily, for having this conversation with me!

Links:

1.) To learn more about PFLAG, visit https://pflag.org/ 

2.) For the Canadian PFLAG chapter, visit https://pflagcanada.ca/

3.) To learn more the Family Acceptance Project, visit https://familyproject.sfsu.edu/

4.) To find resources provided by the Gender Spectrum, visit https://www.genderspectrum.org/

If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please email me at schoolpsychpodcast@gmail.com, direct message me on Instragram @SchoolPsychPodcast, or click "Send Us a Text" in this episode description.

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- Ivanna