What do you say when your teen comes out as LGBTQ+?
In this powerful conversation, Cheryl Pankhurst—special education specialist, teen advocate, and creator of Parenting Teens Advice Redefined Podcast—sits down with Stef Vachon, host of Together Moving Forward, to talk about what LGBTQ+ teens really need from parents.
We talk about the words that create safety, how shame shows up in teenagers, signs your teen may be struggling with identity, and how parents can respond with calm, clarity, and connection—even if you don’t get it perfect.
Stef shares his story of growing up in an unsafe environment, surviving bullying and homophobia, and learning how healing, therapy, and community helped him reclaim his life. Together we unpack what parents and educators can do right now to create a home where teens feel safe, seen, and valued.
Because your teen isn’t asking for perfect language.
They’re asking to feel chosen.
This episode is for parents who are searching things like:
• “How do I support my LGBTQ teen?”
• “What do I say when my child comes out?”
• “Signs my teen is questioning their identity”
• “How to create a safe home for LGBTQ kids”
• “How to help my teen with shame or anxiety”
If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing… this conversation will guide you toward connection instead of fear.
And remember what we always say here:
It’s not about fixing your teen. It’s about doing the inner work so you can be the safe place they come home to.
If you need help navigating school meetings, advocating for your teen, or rebuilding connection in your family, you can learn more about Cheryl’s consulting work at CherylPankhurst.com.
Connect with Cheryl!
The Good Divorce Show Episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hIILoayZV2oQu5zEzJdcP?si=wl8O0S9YSCCwkUSJQAYcrQ
Let’s Chat https://tidycal.com/cherylpankhurst/consultation-chat
Sleep support
DIRECT LINK TO COACHING WITH CHERYL
email : [email protected]
Website cherylpankhurst.com
SOCIALS:
linkedin.com/in/l. R.cheryl-ann-pankhurst-1b611855
https://www.instagram.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst/ https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.a.pankhurst
PODCAST- “PARENTING TEENS ADVICE REDEFINED FOR TODAY’S WORLD
THE PODCAST
https://open.spotify.com/show/4QwFMJMDDSEXJb451pCHO9?si=9c1a298387c84e13
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYv9FQy1X43wwoYg0zF8zAJw6-nCpHMAk&si=7p-e4UlU2rsG3j_t
Optin-podcast subscriber
https://www.cherylpankhurst.com/teen-minds-redefined-podcast
Join our Podcast Private Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpswww.facebook.comgroups1258426648646523
What’s it like to work with me!
MINI-COURSE