Freedom, a two-spirit 13-year-old, and other queer and trans youth have their photos included in this essay:
"The Pain and Pride of a Generation Changing How America Sees Gender."
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there aren't many relevant resources online about how to support your LGBTQA+/SGL neighbors.
However, a search does bring up many Christian-related sources discussing whether queer or trans people are among the "neighbors" that the Bible implores Christians treat with love and respect.
But fear not! We are not, in fact, 100% reliant on Google for all the answers — as shocking a concept as that might be. Here are ways you can support the queer and trans tweens and teens in your neighborhood.
- Wave at them when you see them.
- If you've just learned of their identity, chat with them in the same friendly manner you always have. If you haven't always been friendly, no better time than the present to start.
- Compliment their parents on how they're supporting their child living an authentic life — if that's what's going on.
- The young person will likely love having someone else who's Family in the neighborhood.
- Them knowing about your identity could provide them with an additional safe space close to home.
- And you could be a role model for them merely by existing down the block.
- There are some suggested approaches to and ways to think about those shifts in on R2T2.
- Tell the young person that you love their new name — if that's true.
- Check in with the parents on how many others in your neighborhood know of their child's identity. Don't out the young person without their and/or their parents' consent.
- If you hear other neighbors speculating about or ridiculing the queer or trans young person, stand up for them. Do not let queer- or trans-antagonistic jokes go by without comment. Some suggested replies are in the "Things to Say" section for friends.
- If you have a homeowners' association that wants to take action against your neighbor (by, for instance, banning the displaying of Pride flags), stand up to them.
- Display a Pride flag or other LGBTQA+/SGL symbols yourself.
- Wear "ally" t-shirts, hats, visors, decorative scarves, leg warmers (Okay, i'm making up leg warmers. But i checked and, indeed, they actually do exist.)…. — especially when around the antagonistic neighbors described above.
Not only will this help them understand your neighbor, it may help your child if they ever need to come out themselves and/or if they have queer or trans peers or friends.
- Include a small gift card if you can afford one and it feels right.
- You can find those awareness events listed in R2T2's youth resources page.
- Do keep this in check, though. Don't go overboard by leaving mylar balloons on the mailbox for every awareness event. Pick one or two, depending on the young person, their identity, their family support, and your relationship with them.
See also these articles on the importance of fostering queer and trans joy, hope, and strengths. You have the ability to help in this way and so many others.
What other ideas do you have? Please drop me a line to let me know!
