Building on Acceptance and Kindness in Honor of Pride Month
“Although LGBTQ youth are estimated to make up 5-7% of the population they represent 13-15% of those involved in the juvenile justice system.”
Antonio’s parents both immigrated from Central America. They were already struggling with the cultural differences that come with raising a child in the United States when Antonio told them that he is gay. Antonio’s father, Nicolas, grew up in a culture that didn’t approve of same-sex relationships and struggled to embrace his son’s identity. Feeling unsupported by his parents, Antonio withdrew and became verbally aggressive. Antonio’s mother was upset about Nicolas’s response, and it strained their marriage creating further problems for the family.
The family started MultiSystemic Therapy (MST) with a bilingual therapist, who understands how cultural differences can impact a family. MST specializes in treating youth who are involved or at-risk of becoming involved in the justice system. According to the Trevor Project, although LGBTQ youth are estimated to make up 5-7% of the population they represent 13-15% of those involved in the juvenile justice system. Like all youth, LGBT youth need a safe and stable place to live; freedom to express themselves; and structure and guidance to support them in becoming responsible, healthy adults.
It took Nicolas a while to buy into the process and feel comfortable to speak about his emotions openly. Antonio and Nicolas went with their therapist to get ice cream when Nicolas announced he had something very important to say. He had come to understand that even though being gay was not accepted where he is from, his son is still the same, good person that he raised.
Nicolas told Antonio that he will love him no matter what. They both fought back tears as they finished their ice cream quietly and then they ended the session joking about who picked the best flavor.
Without the correct therapies, Antonio could have become more aggressive and ended up involved in the juvenile justice system. Feeling loved and accepted by his parents will provide him the strength he needs as he grows into a resilient adult.