Family social support for the wcllbcing of their gav and lesbian children

Abstract

This article presents a thematic review of the processes of coming out and acceptance of the sexual orientation of lesbian and gay children and the fundamental role of social support for their welfare. It highlights that parents and sons/daughters go through different stages to achieve acceptance of homosexual orientation. In addition, the study finds that information facilitates emotional support from parents. It is evident that certain beliefs, stereotypes, and insufficient and false information, as well as limited education about homosexual orientation, act as obstacles for providing social support to lesbian and gay children by their families. Recommendations for further research include considering family social support as a crosscutting process that is present and active in families with gay and lesbian children.