What About Partners?

What About Partners?

Your LGBTI+ child telling you that they have a partner may be something you dread, as it is all so different from your expectations for their adult life.

If you find it difficult, try taking some time to adjust to the news. Disapproval will not only hurt your child, but may put distance between you both. Take one step at a time.

Encourage your child to tell you about their partner. By having the usual conversation – where is the partner from, what do they do for a living, ect.? By doing this, you will let your child know that you care about their happiness and that you are interested in what is going on in their life. The fact that you are able to speak about their partner will give an indication that even though you may be having some difficulty dealing with this situation, you are willing to try and accept it.

The next step could be meeting your child and their partner for a coffee, or you could suggest going out for dinner in a restaurant. Get to know your child’s partner as a whole person, and not just as your child’s same-sex partner.

The main thing here is to think how you would treat your child and their partner if they were heterosexual, and act accordingly.