Episode Details

ABOUT THE EPISODE:
Parenting a teen or young adult through substance use or addiction is a massive challenge, but layering on the complexity of a child who is questioning their sexual identity or openly part of the LGBTQ+ community can make it even more difficult. 

This episode is a must-listen for parents who are wondering how to approach their child with questions around sexuality and identity, or who have an openly gay or transgender child who’s also struggling with substance misuse or addiction. It’s complex, it’s confusing and it’s crucial to have this conversation.

Beck Gee-Cohen joined me for this enlightening conversation around gender, sexuality and substances and shared how his work at Visions Teen in Los Angeles is helping adolescents in the LGBTQ+ community. Listen in to hear:

• how Beck's family of origin and childhood impacted his use of substances during adolescence and his young adult life
• why LGBTQ+ teens and young adults often turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their identity and sexuality in today's society
• why he credits his eventual sobriety for being able to work through suicidal thoughts and not follow through with them
• why it's important to recognize gender as a foundation to a person but also know it's a part of a bigger whole
• what Beck needed (but didn't get) from his family growing up as a gender non-conforming person to better cope with the stress
• what research shows about young people growing up in non-affirming homes vs affirming homes 
• how to make your home and yourself a safe place for a LBGTQ+ teen or young adult 
• ways parents can open a conversation about gender and sexual identity with their kids and their friends
• questions to ask if you're a parent searching for substance use treatment for your LGBTQ+ child

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Free parent support group meetings for LGBTQ+ youth & substance abuse
• You And Your Gender Identity (Dara Hoffman-Fox)
• Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Trans (But Were Afraid to ask) (Brynn Tannehill)
• The Transgender Teen: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Teens (Stephanie Brill)
• Disclosure documentary
• HBO show Euphoria
• Netflix show Pose

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