Curious & Questioning

Video Series on Gender and Sexuality

Curious and Questioning is a 6-part video series, with each video focusing on one important topic related to gender and sexuality.

These short videos will help you understand some key concepts and issues, and give you practical tips and strategies to help you navigate them.

This series is designed for:

  • Young people who might be ‘curious or questioning’ their sexuality and/or gender identity.

  • Parents who might be ‘curious or questioning’ whether their child identifies as sexuality or gender diverse.

Main Issues Explored

For everyone:

Terminology: ‘Gender identity’, ‘gender expression’, ‘sex’ and ‘sexuality’
So many different terms… What do they all mean? We explain them so you understand them!

1

Language: why is it so important?
Why language matters, how to know what to say and what to do if you get it wrong!

2

For parents/family:

What to do when your child comes out as sexuality or gender diverse
How to be there for your child, what to say and what not to say.

3

Coming to terms with it: The emotional rollercoaster
Your child has told you how they feel. So how do you feel? Understanding and processing the ups, downs, ins, outs and everything in between.

4

Now what? How to advocate for your child
You are your child’s biggest support. From telling their friends, to your friends, family or school, or navigating systems – we talk about the ‘What’ and ‘How to’.

5

How to be an ally for your child
What you can do to communicate your support, get involved and celebrate your child!

6

Videos & Resources

Each video will have a bonus feature, like extra resources, worksheets, infographics or specialist service details.

1. Terminology

Resources:

The Genderbread Person

An Invitation to Come in to My Life

2. Language, Why is it so Important?

Resource:

Gender-specific and Gender-neutral Pronouns Infographic

3. Parent Series: What to do when your child comes out as sexuality or gender diverse

Resource:

‘What To Do When Your Child Comes Out’ video by Minus18

4. Parent Series: Coming to terms with it - Emotional Rollercoaster

Resources:

Parents, carers, family and loved ones of sexuality and gender diverse children and young adults, there’s support for you too! If you’re struggling or just need someone to talk to, here’s a few great services who offer free counselling services, either by phone or online, when you need it.

Of course, Mindscape Psychology and Allied Health is also passionate about supporting parents and families! If you’d like ongoing counselling support, please contact us.

QLife

for LGBTI individuals, their friends and families, and health professionals in Australia.
Phone 1800 184 527 or webchat 3pm - midnight every day.
More info: https://www.qlife.org.au/

Parent Line

for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 in NSW.
Phone 1300 1300 52
9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and 4pm to 9pm on weekends.
More info: https://www.parentline.org.au/

NB: If you’re not in NSW, look up Parent Line’s details for your state/territory!

5. Parent Series: Now what? How to advocate for your child

Resources:

Transcend Australia’s Guide for Schools Resource

Transcend Australia’s Guide for Parents and Carers Resource

6. Parent Series: How to be an ally for your child

Resource:

This week we are sharing TWO resources! One about being an awesome ally and one full of fantastic organisations and services you can access for more info, resources and support! Check them both out, PLUS stay tuned for some bonus resources dropping next week!


Resource 1: A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Non-binary Youth by The Trevor Project


This is a great recap of what we covered in the first 2 videos, as a great way of consolidating new information or reminding you of stuff you already know, to be the best ally you can be!

Resource 2:

Some fantastic services and organisations for LGBTQIA+ young people, family and friends! Check them out for heaps of awesome resources and info on how you can access support!

Twenty10
Minus18
The Gender Centre
ACON
PFLAG - Parents and Friends of Lesbian And Gays

A Quick Guide to Sexual Orientation, Sex, and Gender Identity by Twenty10 and GLCS NSW

Bonus Resource!