Description

The Affirmative Caregiving model recognizes that pervasive exposure to homo/bi/transphobic attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors at multiple levels in society impacts the way caregivers may view and understand their child's LGBTQ+ identity. Moreover, our approach helps caregivers identify their potentially traumatic impact of homo/bi/transphobia on LGBTQ+ and teaches them to understand their child's emotional and behavioral reactions through a trauma informed lens. Through a variety of didactic and interactional activities, the Affirmative Caregiving model helps caregivers adopt an affirming approach toward their youth's LGBTQ+ identity as a critical step toward creating safe and healthy environments for LGBTQ+ youth.

Primary goals associated with the Affirmative Caregiving approach:
 

1. Increase knowledge and understanding about the impact of homo/ trans/bi phobic stigma (including parental rejection) on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
2. Recognize the importance of affirmative reactions to LGBTQ+ youth.
3. Decrease unhelpful thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors rooted in homo/trans/bi phobic stigma.
4. Understand the potential role and impact of trauma on the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
5. Provide identity affirming support to LGBTQ+ youth.
6. Access resources that support affirming caregiving strategies.
7. Engage in caregiver self-care.

AFFIRM Caregiver allowed me to understand ways to move caregivers to become more affirming without conflict.
- Training participant

This training provided an understanding of the true impact someone can have on a child/youth that identified as LGBTQ+ and understanding how it all works together. Great training! Thank you!
- Training participant

Very experiential training with thoughtful organization of material.
- Training participant

AFFIRM Caregiver gave us examples of concrete language and activities we can share with caregivers.
​- Training participant

I loved the hands-on activities, especially the role-play and learning from others.
- Training participant

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