By stockscar at Envato Elements.
(For how i crafted these quotes, see What i changed in survey-takers' responses and What i didn't change.)
General observations
"We sometimes just need a listener that's been through what we are going through."
"Intended encouragement can sometimes come off as anxiety inducing pressure."
Parents
"My gay moms encourage me and help me figure out parts of my identity and what being gay means for me."
"My mom is bisexual and it's helpful that she understands."
"My gay moms encourage me and help me figure out parts of my identity and what being gay means for me."
"My mom is bisexual and it's helpful that she understands."
Educators
"My GSA teacher is one of my biggest supports. What she does helpful is she affirms my emotions and anger over trans issues rather than dismissing them and is angry with me, she makes her classroom an open and safe space, educates on LGBTQ topics and similar to my math teacher will call homo and transphobia what it is and tell the students to stop, saying she's 'a raging homo' and if that’s an issue to them to get the fuck out."
"My school counselor talks with me about things i bring up, she affirms me when i feel complicated and she treats my crush like a normal thing."
Coworkers
"The people I work with create a queer friendly space where you can talk about anything and you will be met with unconditional support."
Friends
"most of my closest friends are 18-19 (I'm 16.5) and queer and they just generally respect my preferred name, pronouns, and expression. they do everything that shows basic human decency and more!"
Specific examples
I really appreciate it when these adults buy things for me that affirm who I am.
"I feel like they already understand what I go through."
"They affirm me by accepting my bisexual identity."
They offer "unconditional love and celebrating my accomplishments!"
"The adults that are affirming are caring and kind and listen to what I need and want. They help provide resources and guide me to make smart decisions."
"Having me referred to by my 'chosen' name and pronouns makes me feel very affirmed in my identity. Most people I interact with now do this, which I appreciate."
"They provide a place where I can be myself without being scared of causing fights or being in trouble, and having someone who can relate to my situation is really important to me."
"They ask questions, offer emotional support (and sometimes financial but that's not common), offer a space with them to make my voice heard and be able to talk about queer issues, and they recommend me to services and groups that have worked for them or that do good things that might help me as well."
"I think just acting normal about it and not treating it like a giant taboo. Feel free to ask me if I think that person is attractive or do I think that celebrity is cute, etc. Also not assuming even though it's hard because we're programmed to assume sexuality sometimes."
"They celebrate the big and little milestones with me. They encourage me to explore this part of me so that I can learn to love and accept it rather than resent it. It's about being a safe space, especially if they never had that themselves growing up."
"They look out for me. I don't go out much, but when I do, they catch up with me and make sure I'm doing okay. I really appreciate that."
"They welcome me with open arms. I always feel like I am wanted in a space with LGBTQA+/same-gender loving adults."
"They tell me how they see themselves in me and how proud they are of what ive accomplished."
"They helped me figure myself out and supported me in my exploration of gender and sexuality."
"They provide a safe space for me and my same gender partner. They support how I want to express and explore my identity. They are patient and listen."
"the LGBTQA+ adults in my life are typically very good at inspiring motivation to keep living and reassuring me it'll be ok."
"Their kindness and willingness to assist me in finding myself has made me a better version of myself."
"They told me that I wasn't crazy, they told me it was normal. I wish they'd helped me explore more though so that it didn't take so many tries to find the right labels."
