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Family support makes a huge difference in the lives of people who come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.

Plus, when relatives show LGBTQ+ folks just how much they care about them, it not only bolsters their own connection, but emboldens others to do the same; love is contagious.

So in an attempt to accelerate its spread, we at Bored Panda put together a collection of wholesome moments where parents and grandparents stood by their LGBTQ+ kids.

Continue scrolling to check them out and don't miss the conversation we had on the topic with Dr. Danielle Ramo, a clinical psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer at BeMe Health.

#1

Just Came Out To My Grandma, She's The Best

Just Came Out To My Grandma, She's The Best

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Dr. Ramo highlighted that even mental health is challenging for everyone right now, however, she also added there is particular adversity for LGBTQ+ folks.

"People who identify as LGBTQ+ have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and are more likely to consider suicide compared to cis-gender, heterosexual people," Dr. Ramo told Bored Panda. "There are clear links between mental health challenges among LGBTQ+ people and stigma and discrimination. Many LGBTQ+ people report experiencing stigma around their identity and may have lower levels of support in their homes and their communities. They are also more likely to be victims of violence."

#3

After I Came Out, My Mom Wanted To Not Only Show Her Support To Me But To The Entire Community

After I Came Out, My Mom Wanted To Not Only Show Her Support To Me But To The Entire Community

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Dandelion Girl
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such a beautiful tattoo! The colors and shading are perfect

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#4

Saw This On Facebook

Saw This On Facebook

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Dandelion Girl
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is a wonderful beautiful wedding! Also your selfie skills are TOP-NOTCH

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If we were to look at numbers, we'd see that, sadly, around 40% of LGBTQ+ adults have experienced rejection from a family member or a close friend, while roughly 86% of LGBTQ+ youth are being harassed or assaulted at school. Additionally, only 37% of the latter identified their home as an LGBTQ+-affirming space.

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There can be a number of reasons why some families may have trouble accepting their LGBTQ+ family members for who they are. According to Dr. Ramo, these include "their own fear or discomfort with LGBTQ+ identity, often guided by their religious beliefs or other teachings, and/or their fears that their family members will be treated differently because they identify as LGBTQ+."

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In certain cases, the clinical psychologist said this can lead to people advocating or forcing their family member to undergo so-called conversation therapy—the practice of trying to change someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

"Conversation therapy has been proven not to work and in fact is harmful to LGBTQ+ individuals. Young LGBTQ+ people often experience conversation therapy as a form of family rejection, leading to low self-esteem, and mental health challenges."

#10

Sarah's Dad Is A Real One

Sarah's Dad Is A Real One

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#11

This Post My Mom Made On My Birthday A Few Years Ago Still Makes Me Cry

This Post My Mom Made On My Birthday A Few Years Ago Still Makes Me Cry

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#13

This Just Made Me Laugh, Thought I'd Share

This Just Made Me Laugh, Thought I'd Share

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"There is a clear link between family support and thriving among LGBTQ+ individuals," Dr. Ramo stressed. "For example, the Trevor Project National Survey showed that LGBTQ+ youth who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support. Family support can have a positive impact on LGBTQ+ individuals' mental health by helping them feel confident in who they are and by bolstering their ability to get through challenges from society and other environments like discrimination and stigma."

Dr. Ramo said family support can be especially helpful to LGBTQ+ people when it's expressed not only to them but also to their LGBTQ+ friends and partners, whether it's talking to them about their identity, using names and pronouns correctly, or supporting their gender expression.

#14

I Told My Grandma I Was Bisexual A Few Weeks Ago And Today She Gave Me This. My Grandma Made Me A Rainbow Sweater

I Told My Grandma I Was Bisexual A Few Weeks Ago And Today She Gave Me This. My Grandma Made Me A Rainbow Sweater

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#15

Loving Mother

Loving Mother

My mom sent me this picture of her in her new shirt she found and bought herself. She grew up dirt poor in the south, surrounded by ignorance, and still surprises me every day with her ability to learn, grow, and love. She's my hero.

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#16

My Grandma Is 83 And Lives In Rural Florida, Where She Is Surrounded By Anti-Gay People. She Just Had Her Two Front Benches Repainted In Support Of Her 3 LGBTQ Grandkids

My Grandma Is 83 And Lives In Rural Florida, Where She Is Surrounded By Anti-Gay People. She Just Had Her Two Front Benches Repainted In Support Of Her 3 LGBTQ Grandkids

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Pride is celebrated in June, as that was the month when the Stonewall riots took place.

The Stonewall riots began on June 29, 1969. On that night, decades of discrimination and police brutality against queer and trans people, especially LGBTQ+ people of color, culminated in six days of rebellion at a queer bar in the West Village, The Stonewall Inn.

#19

My Uncle And Grandma On Their Way To A Pride Parade In The ‘80s

My Uncle And Grandma On Their Way To A Pride Parade In The ‘80s

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#21

Man Offers 'Free Dad Hugs' At Pride Parade. I Wish Everyone Had Supportive Parents

Man Offers 'Free Dad Hugs' At Pride Parade. I Wish Everyone Had Supportive Parents

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Disgruntled Pelican
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I might not be there to hug you in person, but if you're not supported by your family, I'm sending you a hug and all the love in the world. ❤️

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Following the Stonewall Uprising, the first Pride march was held in New York City in 1970. Originally, marches took place on the last Sunday in June as Gay Pride Day or Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day, but later spread out across the month and continued as a tradition over the past half-century.

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Pride is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, it's meant to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and also how in some places there's still work to be done.

#22

My Dad, Who 7 Years Prior Put Me In Gay Conversion Therapy, Helping With My Bow Tie Moments Before Officiating My Wedding To My Beautiful Wife

My Dad, Who 7 Years Prior Put Me In Gay Conversion Therapy, Helping With My Bow Tie Moments Before Officiating My Wedding To My Beautiful Wife

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Dominique Na
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So sad you had to go through that but so happy your dad saw your truth and accepted it. I hope your relationship continues to grow and congratulations!

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Of course, you can express your support for the LGBTQ+ community even if nobody from your social circle belongs to it. It's all about acceptance, equality, educating yourself and raising awareness.

Keep in mind that although most Pride events see people wear more rainbow-themed clothing and accessories than usual, and there's often lots of partying, dancing, and making out, you never have to participate in anything you don't want to!

#26

My Transgender Son Was Nervous About Telling Our Extended Family. His Grandparents Picked Us Up From The Airport With His Chosen Name On Their Shirts

My Transgender Son Was Nervous About Telling Our Extended Family. His Grandparents Picked Us Up From The Airport With His Chosen Name On Their Shirts

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Casey Casper
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahhh omg reading this is like masochistic bcuz I know I'm going to cry but I read it anyways

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#27

My Stepdad Cracks Me Up, But Yay For Coming Out

My Stepdad Cracks Me Up, But Yay For Coming Out

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#28

I Brought My Boyfriend To My Sister’s Wedding And Introduced Him To My Very Evangelical Family. My Grandma Loved Him

I Brought My Boyfriend To My Sister’s Wedding And Introduced Him To My Very Evangelical Family. My Grandma Loved Him

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#29

I Came Out When I Was 14 (Now 35) And To Say My Parents Weren’t Thrilled Is A Complete Understatement. But Last Night, 21 Years Later, I Saw This Little Ornament On Their Tree

I Came Out When I Was 14 (Now 35) And To Say My Parents Weren’t Thrilled Is A Complete Understatement. But Last Night, 21 Years Later, I Saw This Little Ornament On Their Tree

I really can’t believe how far they’ve both come as humans.

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It soothes my soul to see so many people change for the better. Just love your kids.

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Dr. Ramo also said there are a number of free online resources for LGBTQ+ people to support self-esteem, identity development, crisis support, and thriving. Some of the ones she recommends include the Trevor Project Crisis Support, the imi guide for LGBTQ+ teens, and PFLAG for parents and families. 

#30

Wholesome Dad

Wholesome Dad

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Lizzie Smith
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't blue what the B stands for in LGBTQ+?? I know the G stands for guacamole according to m&s...

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#31

My Teenager Daughter Running Towards Her Tribe. It Is Pride And I Am Proud

My Teenager Daughter Running Towards Her Tribe. It Is Pride And I Am Proud

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#32

My Oma (Grandma) Made Me This Quilt For My Graduation. She Thought The Rainbows Would Be Good Because I’m Gay

My Oma (Grandma) Made Me This Quilt For My Graduation. She Thought The Rainbows Would Be Good Because I’m Gay

My grandparents are new to this whole gay thing but they are doing their best.

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Clarissa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's a beautiful quilt, well made. Quilts take a lot of time and are surprisingly expensive to make. You are lucky to have one made especially for you! Your grandparents best is great.

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#33

Look At My Mom And Dog Showing Their Pride For Me! My Parents Used To Be Against Homosexuality Because Of Their Religion But They Accepted Me And Support Me

Look At My Mom And Dog Showing Their Pride For Me! My Parents Used To Be Against Homosexuality Because Of Their Religion But They Accepted Me And Support Me

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#34

It's Not Much, But My Mom Got Me A Pride Narwhal After I Came Out

It's Not Much, But My Mom Got Me A Pride Narwhal After I Came Out

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#35

What A Sweet Dad

What A Sweet Dad

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Joe Reaves
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just like most flags it is designed to be horizontal when on a flagpole, but when you're hanging it on a wall or something it can be either vertical or horizontal.

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#36

My Friend Came Out To Her Grandmother, And Grandma Did This

My Friend Came Out To Her Grandmother, And Grandma Did This

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#37

Nothing More Wholesome Than Loving And Supportive Parents

Nothing More Wholesome Than Loving And Supportive Parents

Army dude came and ordered something "kinda gay" cause his son came out to his mom and was apparently scared his dad was gonna hate him or be mad.
Dude: he's my boy, I love him. Can you make me something, kinda, you know... Kind of Gay?
Me: I got you...
Parenting level: expert.

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#38

I Came Out To My Parents. It Went Better Than I Expected

I Came Out To My Parents. It Went Better Than I Expected

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Will sell soul for corn chip
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

reminds me of my mom. She is a prophet and asked me if I liked girls even in elementary school. So she was not shocked in the slightest when i came out

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#39

My Dad Thought He’d Given Me The Perfect Gift At An Early Christmas Gathering. He Did

My Dad Thought He’d Given Me The Perfect Gift At An Early Christmas Gathering. He Did

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#40

I Got This Pog LEGO. I Also Want To Thank My Parents For Supporting Me

I Got This Pog LEGO. I Also Want To Thank My Parents For Supporting Me

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#42

Love This So Much

Love This So Much

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Nadine Bamberger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's so nice to read these encouraging stories, thank you all for sharing.

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#44

My Mom Bought Me My First Suit Today, And I Couldn't Be Happier

My Mom Bought Me My First Suit Today, And I Couldn't Be Happier

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#45

Came Out As Trans To My Parents This Year. My Mom Made Me Break Down Crying With This One

Came Out As Trans To My Parents This Year. My Mom Made Me Break Down Crying With This One

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#46

Greatest Mum, NYC Pride March, 1981

Greatest Mum, NYC Pride March, 1981

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#47

My Mom Who Used To Be A Homophobe In Every Way A Few Years Ago, Bought Me These Dresses A Week Ago And Calls Me Zoey All The Time

My Mom Who Used To Be A Homophobe In Every Way A Few Years Ago, Bought Me These Dresses A Week Ago And Calls Me Zoey All The Time

Words can't express how happy I am that my mom came around and accepted me. We may live 7 hours apart now, but she still shows her love in whatever way she can.

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#49

I Recently Came Out As Trans After Not Feeling Comfortable In My Own Skin. My Mom Took Me Shopping The Other Day, And I Got This Outfit

I Recently Came Out As Trans After Not Feeling Comfortable In My Own Skin. My Mom Took Me Shopping The Other Day, And I Got This Outfit

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#50

Today I Went Shopping With My Mom At Norstrom Rack, And I Couldn't Find Her For A Second. When I Found Her, She Held This Up And Said - "I Am So Getting This For You"

Today I Went Shopping With My Mom At Norstrom Rack, And I Couldn't Find Her For A Second. When I Found Her, She Held This Up And Said - "I Am So Getting This For You"

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