Episode 26: How To Be Supportive of The LGBTQIA and Trans Community

In this episode of The Family Couch we chat with Dr. Traci, a licensed clinical psychologist about how to be supportive of the LGBTQIA community. Dr Traci and I review the struggles that this community faces daily, the impact it has on a family, and how any cisgender (person whose sense of personal identity and gender corresponds with their birth sex) can support them.

We discuss the best ways for someone to be an ally to someone in the LGBTQIA community if you are a cisgender. Dr. Traci explains that finding ways to utilize your privilege is the best answer at all times. Innately, but not being in the community, you are privileged. Find members in the community and ask them what they would prefer you to do instead of assuming what you believe is best. Second, she suggests that sharing information that you have verified can always be helpful.

To help families that identify with the LGBTQIA community, we discuss the importance of finding local resources so they always have a place to turn to. Dr. Traci explains how it is not up to us to place the burden on one person to answer all questions we may have about the LGBTQIA community but that we need to exert the effort, ask questions, do research and learn what is relevant for our loved ones.

We dive into the jarring conversation of gender identification and the ability for a young child to know their gender identity at a young age. Dr. Traci shared that a child will know at a young age. It is important for a parent to listen to a child when they tell you and know that a reaction is normal. Parents can tell their child that they will need time to process and may come back with questions. This keeps the doors of communication open for future conversations. In the same methodology, if a child mentions they have a friend that is a trans the response should be about the child’s personality (Where are they from? What are their interests?) not their gender identity.

We give tangible examples to show how you can share that you are a supportive member of the LGBTQIA community. Dr. Traci shares that she introduces herself as “Hi, My name is Dr. Traci and my pronouns are she and her.” This explains that she is supportive of the community. Lastly, we talk about what the most important thing we can do for LGBTQIA community, affirm them every step of the way. Believe in what they are going through, love them through the tough times and know they need us. If we do that, day in and day out – we are helping.

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GUEST BIO:

Dr. Traci is a licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Creative Insights Counseling. While Traci works with many people, much of her training, and over 10 years of experience has focused on working with and supporting the LGBTQ community.

She has had the privilege of working with many people for whom society’s labels failed to articulate their true identity. This includes those of various sexual orientations and those in varying stages of transition with regard to gender and gender expression. Traci has also worked with people living with cancer and their caregivers, survivors of sexual trauma and people struggling with anxiety issues. Traci also truly love working with college students and have had that privilege extensively over her years as a therapist.

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