LGBTQ+ Care at EverKind Pediatrics
Every Child Deserves a Safe Place to Be Themselves
Growing up can be complicated. Children and teenagers spend years discovering who they are, their interests, personalities, values, and identities. For some young people, that journey also includes understanding their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
At EverKind Pediatrics, we believe every child deserves a pediatrician who listens first.
Our role is not to tell children who they are.
Our role is to provide compassionate, evidence-based medical care, answer questions honestly, support healthy development, and partner with families through every stage of childhood and adolescence.
Whether your child identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or is simply trying to understand themselves, they deserve kindness, respect, and excellent medical care.
Understanding LGBTQ+ Terms
Many parents worry because the language around gender and sexuality has changed over the years. Learning these terms can help families have more open and supportive conversations.
Sexual Orientation
Sexual orientation describes who someone is emotionally or romantically attracted to.
Examples include:
● Heterosexual (straight)
● Gay
● Lesbian
● Bisexual
● Pansexual
● Asexual
Many children do not recognize their sexual orientation until adolescence, while others may understand it earlier or later. There is no single "right" timeline.
Gender Identity
Gender identity is a person's internal understanding of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum.
This is separate from biological sex assigned at birth and separate from sexual orientation.
Gender Expression
Gender expression refers to how someone presents themselves through clothing, hairstyle, interests, voice, or mannerisms.
Children have expressed themselves in different ways throughout history.
Gender Dysphoria
Some children experience significant distress because their gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
This distress is called gender dysphoria.
Not every transgender person experiences gender dysphoria, and not every child questioning their gender will continue to identify that way into adulthood.
Helping children understand their feelings takes time, careful evaluation, and individualized care.
What Does the Research Tell Us?
Research consistently shows that LGBTQ+ youth experience higher rates of:
● Anxiety
● Depression
● Bullying
● Social isolation
● Self-harm
● Suicide attempts
Importantly, researchers believe these increased risks are largely associated with factors such as rejection, discrimination, bullying, and lack of support—not because being LGBTQ+ is itself a mental illness.
Supportive relationships with family members, trusted adults, and healthcare providers are associated with better mental health outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this just a phase?
Some children explore identity as part of normal development.
Others have a deep, consistent understanding of who they are from an early age.
The answer depends on the individual child.
Our goal is not to rush to conclusions, but to listen carefully, support healthy development, and continue conversations over time.
Should I encourage or discourage my child?
The best first step is usually curiosity.
Instead of trying to convince your child that they are or are not something, try asking open-ended questions. Examples include:
● "Can you tell me more about how you've been feeling?
● "What does this mean to you?"
● "How can I support you?"
Feeling heard does not mean parents have to immediately have all the answers.
What if my child changes their mind?
Many aspects of identity evolve throughout adolescence. Children deserve room to explore without fear or shame. Keeping communication open allows families to navigate these questions together.
Will EverKind keep secrets from parents?
Building trust with adolescents is an important part of pediatric care.
As children become teenagers, confidential conversations are a routine part of healthcare. This allows teens to discuss sensitive topics, including mental health, relationships, substance use, and sexuality, with honesty.
At the same time, parents remain essential partners in their child's care.
Our goal is to strengthen communication within families whenever possible while also following applicable laws and professional standards regarding adolescent confidentiality.
How EverKind Pediatrics Can Help
We provide:
● Evidence-based, affirming pediatric care
● Mental health evaluation and support
● ADHD, anxiety, and depression assessment and treatment
● Guidance for families navigating gender identity or sexual orientation
● Care coordination with therapists and specialists when appropriate
● A safe, welcoming environment where every child is treated with dignity and respect
No matter where your family is on this journey, we're honored to be part of your child's healthcare team. Every child deserves to grow up knowing they are loved, accepted, and worthy exactly as they are.
Resources
Crisis Resources
Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.