I once heard that when children come “out of the closet” regarding their LGBTQ feelings; the parents go “into the closet,” essentially, creating a second closet. The phenomenon of a second closet isolates parents as they grapple with numerous fears: the judgment of others, the opinions of church leaders, and the reactions of family and friends. In their bewildered state, they constantly question why their child is going through this and even blame themselves. It is truly heartbreaking to imagine the turmoil these parents must be enduring. They have always seen their child as a reflection of God’s image and now they feel completely overwhelmed. Unfortunately, their children experience the same emotional rollercoaster. Children who question their identity often feel scared, anxious, depressed, lonely, and burdened with shame. It’s a double-edged sword that cuts deep. I invite you to give Episode 5 a listen as I explore the concept of the second closet and share advice on initiating open conversations through open-ended questions, as well as tips for locating a counselor that can support your family during challenging times. We are all in this fight together.
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