How our LGBT+ Guide for Parents and Carers has been ‘life-changing’ for a trans young person, their family and school

A year on from the release of Just Like Us’ LGBT+ Guide for Parents and Careers, we were delighted to hear it has been an “invaluable” resource and has had a “life-changing” impact.

The guide is designed for all parents, carers and wider family members, whether their child is LGBT+ or not, and aims to help families become better allies to LGBT+ young people.

Published in 2025, following consultation with more than 100 parents and LGBT+ young people, the LGBT+ Guide for Parents and Carers answers the most common questions parents ask about LGBT+ topics.

A teacher we’ve worked with, L Smith in Kent, shared the guide with their pupils’ parents and carers during the school’s Pride celebrations.

“The parent / carer guide has been invaluable in meeting caregivers halfway,” they said.

“It is such a well of information, and it is so easy to guide caregivers to the right worry or concern. It also makes me as an educator feel more assured that I have a solid backing to my own guidance.”

For the parents of one trans pupil at L’s school, the guide has helped “immeasurably”.

“We had never been able to find a resource like this, and it has been absolutely life-changing,” the parent said.

“It has helped us to understand our trans daughter in ways we hadn’t even considered.

“The sections about how to speak to your child about their feelings around gender and transition, and the guidance there for how parents themselves may be feeling, has been invaluable. Thank you so much!

“It came at just the right time for us, and the information has helped us immeasurably.”

Just Like Us’ LGBT+ Guide for Parents and Carers meets families where they are

Just Like Us’ LGBT+ Guide for Parents and Carers is designed to meet families where they are on their journey with LGBT+ knowledge and support.

“Whether they know it or not, parents and carers have more questions than they first realise, and this guide anticipates that and answers them supportively, empathetically and boldly,” teacher L explains.

“It is unapologetic in its support, and I think that’s wonderful. We need more clear, open, up-to-date guides like this.”

The LGBT+ Guide for Parents and Carers was produced with the generous support of The George Michael Fund, managed by The Talent Fund.

Since its release, families of all kinds have told us they have used it to have vital conversations with their children.

Almudena Rein, Head of Innovation Europe at Kraft Heinz, said: “Over time, I’ve come to realise that if I don’t proactively create space to talk about LGBT+ topics with my daughters, I leave that space open for others to shape their understanding instead. Living in an environment that isn’t particularly diverse, that feels like a real risk.

“At the same time, I didn’t want to make these conversations feel like a “big thing”. This guide has been invaluable in showing me how to approach these conversations naturally, offering practical advice, age-appropriate books and films, and helpful prompts. I couldn’t have asked for a better resource.”

Paralympian Lauren Rowles said: “As an LGBT+, disabled parent myself, this guide is invaluable and shows that LGBT+ people come from all walks of life. All parents can and should lead the way in teaching their children to be allies to the LGBT+ community and this guide shows you how.”

Comedian John Bishop said: “We all love our children and that love is only enhanced when we are able to understand them more and that is why the work of Just Like Us is so vital. Read the guide, give them a hug, be available to them and trust me, they will make your life more colourful and it will all turn out OK in the end.”