My 11 year old has told me she's bi. She has told a lot of friends, but I want her to be cautious in case she meets prejudice. How do I support her to be herself but also protect her? 

Thank you so much for reaching out. It’s really positive that your young person felt safe enough to come out to you – that kind of trust speaks volumes, and it’s likely something they’ve been thinking about for a while. 

Give yourself time to come to terms with the new situation. It’s completely natural to feel a mix of emotions – worry, uncertainty, even fear for their future. Many parents of LGBTQ+ young people feel this way, and you’re not alone. I’ve linked a guide below that offers helpful insights and support for parents navigating this journey: 

Belong-To-Coming-Out-Parents-Guide.pdf 

When your child comes out, what they need most is reassurance and love. Simple things like saying “I love you no matter what” or “I’m glad you told me” can mean the world. Keep the conversation open, even if you’re unsure what to say. Just being there and showing you’re willing to learn and support them makes a huge difference. 

I have added some great videos for you to have a look at which may help you along the way with this new journey. 

This one below is about how to look after yourself when your child comes out: 

This one is about how to support your child when they come out: 

You’re doing a great job already – and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Family Support Service offers one-to-one support for the family of LGBTQ+ young people across Ireland. We can meet you in-person or online and share information and resources.  

Take care and reach out to us when you feel comfortable.