Affirming care saves lives

Affirming care saves lives: How one Brightline therapist changed the story for LGBTQ+ kids

Bullying. Harassment. Rejection. Many LGBTQ+ kids face these painful experiences far too often, and the impact is devastating. The Trevor Project found that 40% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in 2020, and nearly half tried to get mental health support but couldn’t access it.

One of our own therapists experienced this struggle personally and has been brave (and gracious) enough to share her story. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community who grew up without affirming care, she understood first-hand exactly why accessible, supportive therapy can be life-changing — and life-saving — for kids exploring who they are.

Below, she opens up about what drives her work, why affirming care is essential, and how she has helped LGBTQ+ kids and families find healing, safety, and pride.

“I never had affirming care growing up, and I know how much it matters.”

Her early years in Southeast Texas were marked by silence. LGBTQ+ visibility was nearly nonexistent. Resources were scarce. And support wasn’t something anyone talked about.

It wasn’t until adulthood that a therapist finally gave her the space she needed to explore her sexual orientation — a moment she describes as life-changing.

Now she’s committed to giving LGBTQ+ kids what she never had: a safe, open, affirming space to explore identity without fear, shame, or judgment.

“LGBTQ+ kids are more likely to struggle with anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation,” she says. “And there still aren’t enough resources for them, especially in conservative areas. My hope is that one day every LGBTQ+ child gets the support to be who they are from the beginning.”

What gender-affirming care looks like, and why it’s powerful

At its core, affirming care is about allowing a child to be their full, authentic self.

And sometimes, it starts with something as simple — and transformative — as correct pronouns.

“A therapist who calls you by your correct pronouns is healing in and of itself.” 

In practice, affirming care means:

• Supporting the child and their family
  
  

• Helping parents navigate their own learning
  
  

• Coordinating with schools to ensure pronoun and name use
  
  

• Parents and siblings advocating for the child in their community
  
  

• Connecting families with community resources
  
  

• Making sure the child feels seen, safe, and empowered

Research is clear: community and social support are the strongest protective factors for LGBTQ+ youth. Affirming care builds that foundation.

Our world’s increasing social isolation can have an especially negative effect on LGBTQ+ kids. Anxiety, depression, and withdrawal can increase, and a supportive community can feel farther away than ever.

But there’s hope. More kids are finding connection and affirmation online, with family — born or chosen — and with peers. And we’re proud to offer affirming, life-changing support here at Brightline. It means no family has to navigate any of this alone. 

Together with the families we serve, we’re building a future where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated, exactly as they are.