Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

June is Pride Month!  The mission of the Mercer Island Healthy Youth Initiative (HYI) is to successfully launch every Mercer Island youth into adulthood with a foundation of physical and mental health, well-prepared to cope with the academic, social, and emotional challenges of adulthood. 

Youth survey data shows that LGBTQ+ youth experienced an elevated risk of anxiety and depression due to the isolation during COVID.  There are many ways we can support our youth and minimize the risks to ensure that all youth grow up feeling supported and seen.

Information & Resources for Parents and Caregivers:

• Supporting your Child as they Explore their Gender Identity

• A Parent’s Guide to Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth

• Family Behaviors that Increase your LGBTQ+ Child’s Health & Wellbeing

• Supportive Families, Healthy Children: Helping Families with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Children

  • English

  • Chinese

  • Spanish

• LGBTQ Youth and Family Resources - Family Acceptance Project

• The Genderbread Person - An online resource for understanding gender identity, gender expression, and anatomical sex.

• Tips from a Therapist and Mother on Parenting a Transgender Teen - by Melissa Benaroya, MSW, LICSW

Local Resources for Youth:

• Lambert House - Seattle organization providing programs and resources for LGBTQ youth community building

• Gay City - Seattle’s LGBTQ Center cultivates access and connections to promote self-determination, liberation and joy in our communities

• LGBTQ Youth and Family Resources - Family Acceptance Project