Family Acceptance Project

Parents holding a rainbow-colored heart while posing with their LGBT teen.

Olmsted County Public Health Services believes every child deserves a supportive and loving family environment. The Family Acceptance Project is a groundbreaking initiative that provides guidance and resources for families with LGBTQIA+ children. Parents, caregivers, religious leaders, and others can find resources to support children, reduce health risks, and promote a healthier future for our LGBTQIA+ community members. 

What is the Family Acceptance Project? 

The Family Acceptance Project® (FAP) is an initiative driven by San Francisco State University. It focuses on helping families learn how to support their LGBTQIA+ children to reduce health and mental health risks. 

Why is Olmsted County Public Health Services sharing the Family Acceptance Project with Olmsted County residents? 

When families reject their LGBTQ children, it can be very traumatic and affect their health and how they function for the rest of their lives. FAP found that this kind of rejection increases the chances that LGBTQ people will face mental health issues and need support. The Project also discovered more than 50 ways parents and families can show acceptance and support for their LGBTQ children. These supportive actions can help prevent suicidal thoughts and other health risks. They can also improve self-esteem and overall well-being. 

FAP offers valuable resources and research-backed strategies to help families support their LGBTQ children. By promoting family acceptance, Olmsted County Public Health Services aims to reduce the health disparities seen locally and improve the overall well-being of our LGBTQIA+ community members. This initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering a healthier, more inclusive community where everyone can access the care and support they need. 

What evidence supports FAP? 

The FAP is a research-to-practice intervention model based in peer-reviewed evidence. Dr. Caitlin Ryan developed the framework in connection with San Franciso State University. She has spent more than 45 years researching the health and mental health of LGBTQ young people and their families. Dr. Ryan conducted the first major study on how families react to their LGBTQ children and how this affects their kids' well-being as they grow up. 

FAP’s research showed that families play a crucial role in their LGBTQ children's health risks and well-being. Dr. Ryan and her team found more than 100 specific actions families can take regarding their children's LGBTQ identity and gender expression.  

They discovered that family rejection during adolescence can increase the risk of suicidal behavior, substance abuse, and depression. It can also lead to sexual health issues like sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Family acceptance and support can protect against these risks, help LGBTQ youth feel better about themselves, and improve their overall health and well-being.  

What is the FAP poster? 

example of a family acceptance program poster that reads family behaviors that increase your LGBTQ Child's health and well-being. Accessible posters can be downloaded from the Family Acceptance Project.

This poster, available in multiple languages, helps teach family members, providers, religious leaders, LGBTQIA+ youth, and others about the important role of family support. It shows how family support can prevent suicide and other health risks and help LGBTQIA+ children have a healthy future. 

Where can I find more information?