'I Want To Tell My Parents I’m Bisexual, But I’m Scared Of What They’ll Think'

Children and teens are increasingly turning to Childline for advice and support on coming out to their parents.Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, the NSPCC-led service said it delivered 2,411 counselling sessions on the topic of sexuality and gender identity. Over 40% of these counselling sessions focused on coming out, with many young people expressing their anxieties around being judged over their sexuality. Young people revealed to counsellors they’re worried about their parents’ reactions and being alienated from friendship groups as a result of coming out.One boy, aged 16, said: “I want to tell my parents I’m bisexual but I’m scared of what they’ll think. They come from a strict background, and I’ve seen them judging others for being gay.“We’re close but they don’t have a clue about me. I don’t want to disappoint them, I just want to be accepted for who I am.”According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the most recent data suggests around one in 10 (10.4%) young people aged 16 to 24 years old identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB).An NSPCC spokesperson confirmed to HuffPost UK there was a 4% increase in the number of counselling sessions focused on coming out last year, compared to the year before. Shaun Friel, Childline’s director, said coming out “remains one of the main subjects that young people want to discuss” when contacting Childline about their sexuality or gender identity. “It is a privilege that young people turn to the service to help them navigate a pivotal and potentially difficult moment in their lives,” he said.“This Pride Month, I want to remind all young people that Childline is here to provide a safe, confidential space where they can discuss their feelings and concerns freely.” How parents can support kids who come out The most important thing you can do when your child decides to come out to you is listen and not judge.As experts at NSPCC said: “Listening can be a great way to show them that you care and help them to feel accepted. Try to let them talk at their own pace, and ask open questions without interrupting.“If they don’t want to continue the conversation, let them know that you’re there for them if they want to talk again at a different time.”If you think your child might be questioning their sexuality, don’t try to pressure them into talking to you about it. The charity advises simply creating a supportive environment at home, giving them space to share their feelings. This means when they do decide they want to open up, they know it’s a safe space.If your child does come out to you, Jennifer Warwick, a BACP-registered counsellor, advised letting them know “how glad and proud you are that they have come to you with this”. She also told parents to reassure their children “that they have done the right thing in telling you”.“Be clear that this will not in any way change how much you love them,” she told Counselling Directory.Some parents might be quick to dismiss their child’s news as a “phase”, which experts strongly warn against doing. As Warwick explained: “They have almost certainly thought long and hard about their gender identity or sexuality – let them know that you are taking them seriously.”If your child wants to come out to other people – whether that’s friends or family members – parents can offer to support them. It might help to ask if there’s anything you can do to make it easier for them. For example, letting certain family members know. Parents might feel a bit confused about what to do after their child has come out – and they might also have concerns. One parent revealed to YoungMinds how she didn’t want to bring it up again in case her son didn’t want to talk about it, but also didn’t want it to seem like she didn’t care. The NSPCC said parents might also be worried that being LGBTQ+ will make things harder for their child, or have concerns about them being bullied or other people reacting negatively to them coming out.It can help to do your research, as well as find support for yourselves as parents (if needed). As Warwick said: “You might feel confused, sad or worried about them. Don’t forget that you can talk about this with friends, other parents or carers and, of course, with a counsellor.”But, of course, it’s crucial to respect your child’s privacy and confidentiality when doing so. Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via childline.org.uk, where they can speak to a trained counsellor about any concerns they may have. The Childline website also has advice and support around sexuality and gender identity for young people. Help and support:London Lesbian & Gay switchboard (LLGS) is a free confidential support & information helpline for LGBT communities throughout the UK | 0300 330 0630Manchester Lesbian and Gay Switchboard is a free support, information and referral service for the Manchester and North-West area | 0161 235 8000Stonewall for more information on other LGBT services and helplines | 08000 502020The Gender Trust supports anyone affected by gender identity | 01527 894 838Mermaids offers information, support, friendship and shared experiences for young people with gender identity issues | 0208 1234819LGBT Youth Scotland is the largest youth and community-based organisation for LGBT people in Scotland. Text 07786 202 370Gires provides information for trans people, their families and professionals who care for them | 01372 801554Depend provides support, advice and information for anyone who knows, or is related to, a transsexual person in the UKRelated...I Hated School – Then Teachers Made An Observation That Changed My Life'My Husband Is A Grouchy Dad And It's Exhausting. What Can I Do?'Why Are UK Teens Among World’s Unhappiest? We Asked Them

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