As our world becomes more accepting of broader and more diverse identities, you may have questions about how you can better support the LGBTQ community, or what LGBTQ even stands for. Every person has their own journey in understanding what it means to support LGBTQ people, whether you’re LGBTQ or not. We hope this resource can help you begin that journey.
You might be reading this resource because you want to provide guidance for LGBTQ people in your role as a teacher, counselor or religious leader. Maybe your child, best friend or parent just came out to you, and you have no idea what that means. Maybe you’re already a member of the LGBTQ community, and you want to make sure you’re supporting all of the parts of the community that you can. Or maybe you’re reading this resource because you’re just trying to be a better ally. No matter what brought you here, you have come to the right place.
This resource is designed to help build understanding and comfort. If you are new to LGBTQ issues, we will answer many of your questions. Or, if you have known LGBTQ people for years and are looking to find new ways to show your support, you can skim this resource and take the pieces that are relevant to you. It’s ok to not know everything — we’re here to help.
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation hopes this resource can help you build understanding of LGBTQ identities and issues, and that you can use this newfound knowledge to be an ally to the LGBTQ community as a whole. Thank you for reading. We’re glad you’re here.