Parents need a place to be themselves too
Finding out or having confirmed that your family member is exploring their gender or same-sex attraction, can be a confronting and lonely experience. Families can feel like their world has been turned upside down, overwhelmed with concerns, questions and fears. They may also be genuinely concerned for the future wellbeing, health and happiness of their family member. Finding the answers to their questions from unbiased sources and having their concerns heard by people who understand can prove difficult for many families.
That is why Twenty10 supports family members of young people who are exploring their gender or sexuality, or who may identify as same-sex attracted (e.g. gay or lesbian), intersex, gender questioning, trans or transgendered.
For more information, contact Twenty10 during office hours on (02) 8594 9555 or if you are outside Sydney, 1800 65 2010. Please leave a message and one of our staff will return your call.
Give us a call on (02) 8594 9555 or 1800 65 2010 (rural freecall)
The things to remember
In sharing the news about their sexuality or gender identity with you, your child is inviting you to share in an important part of their lives. That is a great honour and a great trust.
The news does not necessarily change you or your child. The skills you have always exercised as a parent will still be the skills that will help you to relate to your child. There is support out there and seeking out that support is a great thing to do.
You may want to read the booklet put out by the Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), which you will find through this link.
Helpful links and contacts
Lifeline
Lifeline is a free 24-hour telephone counselling service available from anywhere in Australia.
13 11 14
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
PFLAG is a non-profit voluntary organisation whose members have a common goal of keeping families together. PFLAG is able to provide help, support and information to families and friends of all GLBT people.
www.pflagaustralia.org.au
In an emergency, call the Police by dialling 000
Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service of NSW (GLCS)
GLCS provide free telephone counselling, referrals and support groups for GLBT people and their families on matters of sexuality and life issues. The phone line is open 5:30pm-10:30pm 7 days a week.
www.glcsnsw.org.au (02) 8594 9596 or
1800 18 4527 (rural freecall)
The Gender Centre
The Gender Centre is a service located in Petersham in Sydney that offers a wide range of services to people with gender issues, their partners, families and friends in New South Wales. You can visit their website to find resources, including helpful fact sheets, or you can visit their office or give them a phone call (Gender Centre contact details).
