How can we best support and love our LGBTQ teenagers?  The suicide rate of LGBTQ teens is high, their mental health is at stake. 45% of them have seriously considered suicide. More than half of transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered suicide . Of those who have just one affirming adult, the suicide attempt rate is cut by 10%.  Are we going to be that one loving and affirming adult to help save lives?

 I interview Charlie Bird who is a gay man and we discuss how he would have loved to be supported as a teen.  Allowing our youth to be who they are and supporting them through that process is the kindest, most loving thing we can do.  We discuss how in a faith/religious community we can really support and love these brothers and sisters of ours.  Statistics show if they have one affirming adult in their life, their suicide attempt rate goes down by up to 30%.

Getting to know members of the LGBTQ community will allow us to build relationships and our fear of the unknown and misconceptions fade away.  This podcast will help you learn to be an ally and support.

Parents Rising registration

Charlie/Cosmo dances!

Without the Mask by Charlie Bird

Questions from the closet podcast