Raising LGBTQ+ Allies: Helping Kids (and Parents) Show Up With Pride
— 3 min read —
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, honour its history, and advocate for continued inclusion and equality.
For parents and caregivers, it’s also a meaningful opportunity to begin or deepen conversations with their children about allyship, what it means to support and stand with others, especially those in marginalized communities.
From a mental health perspective, building allyship skills in kids supports emotional intelligence, compassion, and resilience, not just for others, but within themselves.
Here are three strategies to help families raise thoughtful and inclusive 2SLGBTQIA+ allies:
1. Start With Curiosity, Not Shame
Children are naturally curious, and when they ask questions about gender identity, pronouns, or diverse families, they’re opening the door to important learning. Parents don’t need to have all the answers, in fact, modeling curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn together sends a powerful message: differences are not something to fear, but something to explore with empathy and care.
If your kiddo catches you off guard with a question you don’t know how to answer, try…
“That’s a great question that deserves a great answer. Let me get back to you after I take some time to look into this a little further.”
2. Engage With 2SLGBTQIA+ Stories and Resources
Children's books, TV shows, and film representation play a vital role in shaping how kids understand the world. Access to age-appropriate and inclusive content helps normalize 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and gives children a window into experiences that are potentially different from their own. Reading and watching together not only builds understanding, it invites meaningful conversations rooted in respect and connection.
Here are a few places to start:
“Love Makes a Family” by Sophie Beer
“It Feels Good to Be Yourself” by Theresa Thorn
“They She He Me: Free to Be!” by Maya & Matthew Gonzalez
Book for Parents: Rainbow Parenting by Lindz Amer
3. Encourage Speaking Up and Taking Action
Being an ally is about more than just acceptance and kindness, it's about taking action too. Parents can help their children practice what it looks like to stand up against exclusion or discrimination, whether that’s on the playground or in everyday conversations. This might include using language like, “That’s not okay,” or “Everyone deserves to feel safe.”
Families can also show support in visible ways by displaying a Pride flag, attending inclusive community events, or supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ creators and organizations. These actions send a clear and affirming message: We believe in equality, and we stand with our community.
Teaching kids about allyship isn’t just about one month or one talk, it's an ongoing process of learning, listening, and showing up. When families nurture empathy and inclusion at home, they’re not only raising better allies, they're helping create a kinder, more just world for all.
take the quiz
Finding the right therapist shouldn’t be hard. Take our brief, yet insightful quiz to help you discover a therapist that matches you + your family’s unique needs.
This post was written by wellbe’s registered social worker Emily Blum. If you or your family are in need of support, you can book an in-person or virtual visit with our social workers here.