June is Pride month – a month dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ voices – but we think it’s important to reflect everyone’s voice and experience all year through.
Here, we spoke to three LGBTQIA+ MyTutor tutors and asked them about their experience growing up – from their school experience to the advice they’d give to parents of LGBTQIA+ children.
How did your parents or guardians support you when you shared your sexuality?
“When I told my parents about my first girlfriend they were interested to find out more about her. They remembered her favourite foods and small details like that, which made me feel like they accepted her being with me.” – a Maths and Physics tutor.
“They reaffirmed that they love me and will always love me. They also asked what I needed or if there was anything I wanted them to change, and they asked where they could find out more.” – Nicole, a Science and English tutor.
What did you wish your parents/guardians/school/friends did differently to support you?
“They don’t know I’m non-binary and some of my friends make comments supporting transphobia in the media – like ‘it’s just freedom of speech,’ – which makes me uncomfortable. It makes me not want to come out.” – a Maths and Physics tutor.
What was your experience at school like?
“I have a lot of trauma from always being on the outside at school. I was bullied by my peers and disliked by pastoral staff for being different.” – a Maths and Physics tutor.
What advice would you give to parents with LGBTQIA+ children?
“You don’t need to understand or relate to the way they identify. You just need to support them.” – a Maths and Physics tutor.
“There’s no need to do anything – just help their build their confidence,” – Andrew, a Maths tutor.
“Love them. Listen to them when they tell you who they are and what they want – they know themselves better than you do.” – Nicole, a Science and English tutor.
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