It should feel great to just be open and be honest with your parents. Yet, somehow hundreds of kids around the world feel as though they can’t be honest or be themselves. I love my parents and I know they love me. But is that love unconditional?

Children who are part of the LGBT+ community know the possible consequences of coming out and the anxiety that can come with it. But should kids really be scared to come out of the closet? A parent’s love does need to be unconditional. But I also do not think a child coming out should expect for the best. I understand these kids just want to be open and free without a care in the world. Sadly, the world is not a very forgiving place.

In our world today there are people who are openly out. Caitlyn Jenner is openly transgender, but I do not believe she is someone to look up to. With her history and identity in television I find it hard to take her seriously. That is a big problem. If the LGBT+ community can’t take her seriously, what makes us think closeted teen’s parents will take us seriously?

I am transgender and have known since I was really small. So, I know how some people may feel about it. I am not officially out of the closet and I too am afraid that certain family members will disapprove. Although, I know I was lucky with my mom. When I told her, she wasn’t surprised at all. But I worry about the chance I will be disowned, kicked out or the possibility of not being spoken to again. While these may be extremes, I am still concerned with the future because it has happened to many others in the past and even now. When I was smaller my parents always used to tell me “I’ll love you no matter what.” This I am hoping they will stick to. I need them to be able to accept me and I think that is what goes through any child’s mind who grew up being part of LGBT+.

It’s also important to have friends that support you. Coming out to my friends was rather easy, but for some it might be difficult and that is okay. Come out to your parents at your own pace. Don’t rush it. Some parents will react badly and some will react greatly. For those parents who don’t accept it because of religious reasons understand that God sees children as a blessing in your life and you should try to relate to them. All I’m trying to say is that these are your children, love them for who they are.