My 15 year old AuAdhd daughter is gay and content with her orientation. My worry with her is sleepovers with her gay friend that she says is her best friend. I know she's very keen on this girl and is dying for a relationship. Tomorrow night she's staying in said friend’s house (age 16) sharing a bed, parents are absent away all night. I worry long-term that she's too young to get involved in any kind of sexual relationship. I'm new to parenting a gay daughter and would like help in navigating these matters as to boundaries etc

It’s great that your daughter has come out to you and felt comfortable to share this information. It’s clear you care deeply about her and want to support her in the best way possible.  Parenting any adolescent can be difficult, particularly around boundaries, sexual health and wellbeing. 

 Remember, your daughter is the same as any other young person – whether LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent or not – and you should feel confident to assert your boundaries to support and care for her. It’s okay to set boundaries around sleepovers, especially when unsupervised. You might say something like, “I trust you, but I also want to make sure you’re safe.” 

Keep communication open. Express your concerns honestly and also listen to her perspective. This builds trust and helps her feel safe coming to you. Speak to her about the age of consent in Ireland to have sex. We-Consent, a national programme in Ireland, has great resources for parents and guardians which might be helpful: https://www.we-consent.ie/resource-hub/resources/for-parents-and-caregivers/. 

 Keeping communication open and non-judgemental will help to protect the honest and trusting relationship you have clearly built so far. 

If you would like to speak to someone for one to one support, you can get in touch with our Family Support Service here: https://www.belongto.org/support-for-someone-else/at-home/family-support-service/