https://www.r2hub.org/library/what-is-lgbtqia

“Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual or Agender: This is an acronym that has expanded over the years to try and represent people who are gender and sexual minorities (GSM). The “+” in the term acknowledges that the acronym does not encompass all GSM identities and that our understanding of sexuality and gender evolves.”

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5efba72c03da3677c344dbe4/t/641d3b7e3cf9b45402fe9227/1679637376630/Relational+Guide+for+Alllies+%7C+Second+Edition+%7C+Q+Christian+Fellowship.pdf

From the author, Amy Hayes: “In this guide, I’ll unpack what the unglamorous, frequently uncomfortable work of allyship looks like in the different arenas of life. My goal is to gird you for the long haul of faithfulness to Jesus and to our LGBTQ+ loved ones. I write these words with all fear and trembling, knowing that I, especially as a white, cisgender, heterosexual woman, have so much still to learn too. Yet it’s here, in this space of humility and vulnerability, that God’s grace—just as bright and persistent as glitter—abounds. It’s on me. And it’s on you too.”

Ally Meaning:

https://www.hrc.org/resources/allies

Allies are “people who are not LGBTQ+ themselves — have done an enormous amount to advance the cause of LGBTQ+ equality. An ally can show support for LGBTQ+ friends, co-workers, classmates, neighbors, co-congregants, family members and others in a wide variety of ways.”

Children’s Resource:

Support Gender Nonconforming Children:

https://www.hrc.org/resources/supporting-your-young-gender-non-conforming-child

“Young gender non-conforming children who are supported and affirmed and accepted by their family in general experience higher self-esteem and better health outcomes and are less likely to suffer from depression and anxiety. For these reasons, it is important for parents and guardians to make sure their home is a place where their child feels safe and loved unconditionally.”

Gender-Expansive Resources:

https://www.hrc.org/resources/resources-on-gender-expansive-children-and-youth

“The term “gender-expansive” came out of a report to classify youth who did not identify with traditional gender roles but were otherwise not confined to one gender narrative or experience. This term allows us to talk about youth who don’t meet our “traditional” understandings of gender without putting their identity in a box.”

Youth Resource:

Beloved Arise Non Profit:

https://www.belovedarise.org

“The big point of this eBook is to tell you this: There is a credible theological perspective that believes LGBTQIA+ Christians can be full participants in the Kingdom of God just as they are. You don’t have to sacrifice your faith or the identity God gave you. Living fully in both is a beautiful thing.”

Parent/Guardian Resource:

Parents Reconciling Network:

https://rmnetwork.org/parents-reconciling-network/

“PRN began in 1999 when Bruce and Virginia (Ginny) Hilton, both United Methodist pastors and parents of a gay child, brought parents together. They aimed to present a visible witness of parents in support of ending the denomination’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance and provide their LGBTQ+ children the same rights as cisgender, heterosexual United Methodists at The United Methodist Church’s 2000 General Conference.”

Parents Reconciling Network Zoom Calls:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKi9xt4gnLM&list=PLirW3GlVHv-PmnsucBsAvFqlczbZwMihT

“The Parents Reconciling Network talk about how to be supportive and faithful family and adults to LGBTQ children.”

Supporting Gender Nonconforming Children and Youth:

https://www.hrc.org/resources/transgender-children-and-youth-understanding-the-basics

It is important to make distinctions between instances where “kids are being kids” and when they’re asserting things about themselves that are critical to their identity and development — as is the case with gender identity and expression.

Resource for Black Families, Family Members, and Caregivers of LGBTQIA+ Children and Youth:

https://hrc-prod-requests.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Black-Families-and-Caregivers-021523.pdf

“This resource expands on one person’s experience. We look at the racial biases and discrimination families experience while supporting their Black trans and gender non-conforming children. And the resilience of these young people and their families. We also highlight Black LGBTQ+ historical and current figures’ brilliance, ingenuity, and place-making in society.”

Affirming Language:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LJAfkOUoYTm7QzEW8e5esnEhVCaycrAKsgQtV4piDnc/edit

“A glossary of terms can be very helpful for equipping ourselves with some basic understanding of what someone means when they use a word. Some of these terms might be unknown to you. Let’s remember that these terms do not define a person. In reading the glossary below, we must treat these terms with gentleness, and a holy and humble reverence.”

https://www.hrc.org/resources/transgender-children-and-youth-talking-to-grandparents-and-other-adult-fami

“Talking to older adults about your child’s gender identity or transition can be some of the more difficult conversations parents of transgender children face. Grandparents and other older relatives and friends often have more conservative ideas about gender roles, and thus may have a more difficult time understanding or accepting your child’s transgender or gender-expansive identity. Being an advocate for your child can be difficult when the person you are defending them against is your own family, so first and foremost, try to approach these initial conversations with patience and compassion, rather than being confrontational or defensive.”