Parents

"Many parents, when first told the news that their son/daughter are gay have a variety of feelings including shock, disappointment, blame, anger, disbelief and abhorrence. Others feel guilt and concern with telling friends and relatives. Even if parents’ suspect, having confirmation from your child, is still heartbreaking for some. Regardless of our feelings we need to always keep in mind that homosexuality is neither the child's nor parent's fault. Parents need to be aware that emotions at this time can and generally do swing wildly, often between anger and tears. Parents need time to digest the news that their child is gay. It's important to realise it isn't the end of the world. No one is to blame for a child's sexuality and as parents of gay children; our parenting skills should not be questioned." Sexuality is not a choice by Shelley Argent Pflag Brisbane

Shelley Argent is the is the National Spokesperson for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and the President of PFLAG, Brisbane. She is one of the most successful and effective educationalists, advocates and lobbyists for the human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.  As a mother searching for information when her eldest child came out, she found it was hard to find support and information to help her understand her son and to learn about and be part of his world.  Shelley became involved on many levels with different organisations to provide support and information to families about sexual diversity and since then has also written many educational booklets which most information in our supporting your child this section comes from.

Click on the headings below to access more information about Pflag and supporting your child. As well as stories from young people and parents and links to 'Sexuality is not a choice' and other publications as well as other websites and resources you may find useful.

To learn more about Shelley Argent and Pflag Brisbane visit www.pflagbrisbane.org.au

	Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays PFLAG In Australia today, there are many parents with homosexual children. These children, and often their families are victims of social, political and economic prejudice. Gay persons in many communities are affected by discrimination in their pursuit of happiness and in striving to live their lives with openness and dignity. Homosexuals are not the only ones touched by this discrimination. It also touches their friends and families.
	SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD Whether your child or loved one is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or unsure, you have taken the first step to supporting them by reading this. You have opened yourself up to new information, and hopefully you will be better informed.  You can support your child or loved one by educating yourself as much as possible about sexuality or gender idenity.
	STORIES Here are some stories from Young People, Parents, Teachers and other professionals working with Same Sex Attracted Youth. Everyone has a different story, if you would like to share yours click here.
	LINKS Here is a selection of different internet sites from within Australia and around the world that members of rural youth groups and OUTthere have found useful.  We are always on the lookout for other sites so please email us and let us know any good ones worth linking to email us.
	TIPS FOR PARENTS DISCLOSING THEIR SEXUAL AND GENDER DIVERSITY