There are amazing aspects to caring for a child or teen who is either questioning- or clear- that they are a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.    At the same time, there are also thought provoking and stressful elements to this experience.   This presentation will debunk common myths and answer questions like:  How can I know what is best for the child in my care?    How do I know which information in the media to believe?   What if my child has mental health needs too? What does adoption and foster care have to do with finding a healthy SOGIE (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/Expression)?   Dr. Anderson will provide information about the impact that a child or teen’s SOGIE often has on the youth’s daily life, as well the impact that SOGIE issues can have on family functioning.  Bring your curiosity and questions as we meet up in a safe space to explore being affirming caregivers, parents and allies.

Specific Learning Objectives
1) Participants will discuss important differences between sexual orientation and gender identity and expression
2) Participants will list 3 ways that parental affirmation impacts the mental health of LGBTQ youth and adolescents
3) Participants will analyze, and discuss specific ways to support parents and caregivers in coping with somewhat predictable patterns in worry or sadness related to their child’s sexual orientation or gender identity
4) Participants will leave with reliable resources to support their families further

Dr. Laura S. Anderson (she/her/hers) has been a licensed child and family psychologist for nearly twenty-five years.  Dr. Anderson has expertise in learning and behavioral assessments, working with adoptive families and working with gender-expansive children, teens and their families.  Dr. Anderson provides national and international training on a variety of child psychology topics.   She has a podcast, on-line courses, and has been featured in The Guardian, The New York Times, and Psychology Today.  Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Anderson is an adoptive parent herself.  For both personal and professional reasons, Dr. Anderson is passionate about supporting foster and adoptive families as they find greater harmony and thrive.