Date of Award:

5-2026

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Human Development and Family Studies

Committee Chair(s)

Aryn M. Dotterer

Committee

Aryn M. Dotterer

Committee

Travis E. Dorsch

Committee

Kay P. Bradford

Committee

Jessica N. Fish

Committee

Cris Meier

Abstract

LGBTQ+ teens face challenges like discrimination and exclusion from school-based sex education. Support from parents is crucial for helping LGBTQ+ teens feel safe and confident. Most research has only looked at how parents react when their child comes out, and less about how parents support their child in everyday life. This two-study dissertation explored how parents help support and protect their LGBTQ+ teens’ well-being over time.

The first study looked for patterns of protective parenting across interviews with LGBTQ+ teens and their parents from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Teens and parents shared their experiences of open communication, building community, and learning together to provide support to LGBTQ+ youth in racially or ethnically minoritized families. These stories showed that day-to-day actions, like listening and talking, help LGBTQ+ teens of color thrive.

The second study used survey data from LGBTQ+ young adults to test how sex education and parent-child sexual communication during high school influenced their confidence in making healthy sexual decisions. Perceptions of sex education did not influence LGBTQ+ young adults feel more confident in their sexual decision making. However, school-based sex education knowledge about STIs helped LGBTQ+ youth feel more confident in making healthy sexual decisions, and teens who often talked with their parents about relationships and decision making felt even more confident.

Together, these studies confirm that supportive parent-child relationships and inclusive sex education are important for LGBTQ+ youth well-being. When parents are open, supportive, willing to learn, and work together with their LGBTQ+ teen, it helps the teens feel seen, supported, and prepared to make safe and healthy decisions. Families raising LGBTQ+ teens may experience challenges, but consistently showing up, listening, and talking openly shows support and can prepare teens for their future.

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