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Happy Pride Month everybody! How are you celebrating this year? Are you attending your local Pride parade? Maybe you’re indulging in a little bit of innocent rainbow capitalism and buying a tote bag or some other Pride merch? Or are you baking a rainbow cake for your queer loved one?

We here at Bored Panda are celebrating this year’s Pride Month with another edition of wholesome pictures. We’re featuring awesome parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, and uncles who proved they love their LGBTQ+ family members no matter what. Love is love, right? So check out the most inspiring and heartwarming pics of family members supporting their LGBTQ+ folks. And warning – you might need a tissue if you’re an easy crier like me.

Bored Panda reached out to LGBTQ+-affirming Therapist Lisa S. Larsen, PsyD. She kindly agreed to tell us more about the role that family plays in an LGBTQ+ person’s life. She also offered some possible coping strategies for queer individuals who have been rejected by family members. Read her expert insights below!

#1 Has Been Pointed Out To Me That I Should’ve Like Asked For Some Congratulatory Cash But Oh Well

Image credits: charlvickers

#2 This Just Gave Me Energy And Warmth Like A Sun Beam! That Is So Sweet

Image credits: Garrett_Watts

#3 My Dad’s Hatred For Men Got The Best Of Him

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“We humans need a secure attachment to [our] caregivers and family members in order to survive and thrive,” Lisa S. Larsen, PsyD, says. “Being securely attached means that we know that our caregivers are there for us against all odds, including societal rejection and oppression. When we don’t have that, it is harder to handle stress and navigate the struggles that we all face.”

“Unfortunately, members of the LGBTQ+ community also face minority stress, in addition to the usual challenges of daily living. When our own families reject us, ridicule us, or disrespect us, we may not know where to turn. It is a lonely experience to believe that we don’t belong anywhere and that even our own family would turn [their] back[s] on us.”

#4 So Glad He Was So Accepting

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#5 Wishing Everyone A Supportive Grandma

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#6 Your Parents Are Doing It Right

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“LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk for substance use, depression, anxiety, and suicide,” the therapist notes. “They are very vulnerable to the pressures of political and social stigmatization and persecution. Many of my clients talk about their fear and disbelief at how risky it can be to be ‘out’ as LGBTQ+. If they also face discrimination from their own families, it creates a sense of hopelessness and helplessness.”

Larsen says it’s important for families to understand what it means to be LGBTQ+, accept their queer family members, and love them unconditionally. Just as they would a cisgender or heterosexual child. “Unfortunately, some ultra-religious families cannot accept their child’s gender identification or sexual orientation,” she says. “I have even seen young people get kicked out of their families’ homes with nowhere to go.”

#7 You Can Tell She Gives Those Good Hugs Too

Image credits: coreytimes

#8 Lost A Chance To Show Support With A Great Dad Joke

Image credits: Netrogo

#9 My Mom And I Made Rainbow Cupcakes To Celebrate Pride Month

Image credits: Mvpcat29

We put a great deal of significance on the concept of family in our society. But there’s also a saying “The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.” Sometimes, the bonds we choose might be stronger than the ones we’re born into. Larsen says that while the concept of a chosen family is not specific to the LGBTQ+ community, it does apply.

#10 These Are The Happiest Little Squirrels Ever

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#11 A Couple At The SF Pride Parade Today

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#12 Elders Are Our Most Cherished Asset

Image credits: TheOnlySuccubus

“People who have been abused or neglected by their families of origin might also choose not to associate with their blood relatives or caregivers from childhood anymore. Each person gets to decide for themselves what makes sense for their mental health. If you are repeatedly dead-named or insulted because of your gender identification or sexual orientation, that can have damaging effects long-term.”

#13 He’s Trying

Image credits: tesspaisan

#14 Grandmothers Are The Best I’m So Happy You Have A Supportive One

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#15 In Case Y’all Are Wondering, It’s Going Great. They Been Talking To Each Other Since We Sat Down

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“It makes sense to find people with whom you connect emotionally and to accept you the way you are, without [them] having to change you for their own comfort. The important thing is to find people who accept you the way you are and show you unconditional love; whether it’s a blood relative [or] someone you have befriended or adopted along the way is unimportant,” Larsen emphasizes.

#16 Found A Roll Of Film From Pride. Got This Great Picture Of My Mom. She Has Gone To Every Pride Parade Since I Came Out! I Couldn’t Ask For A More Supportive Mom

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#17 Parents Threw Him A “Gayceañera” On His 15th Birthday To Celebrate His Coming Out, And Make Him Feel More Accepted Among Family And Friends. You See? It’s Easy. All You Need Is Love

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#18 Also, I Cannot State Enough How Sick Of A Response That Was In 2006 Of All Times, In Alabama Of All Places

Image credits: HeavenlyGrandpa

However, this still doesn’t diminish the fact that being rejected by family is one of the toughest things a person can go through. “It is tempting to assume that no one else will love you if your parents or other family members don’t, but that is simply not true,” Larsen explains. “When I think of the courage it takes to come out to family members, it’s amazing that people do it. However, sometimes, family members don’t know what to do with the new information, and so [they] react fearfully.”

#19 My Birthday/Pride Was Cancelled, But My Whole Family Stepped Up. Without Consulting Each Other First

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#20 After Coming Out As Transgender And Non-Binary, My Mother Crocheted Me A Giant Pride Flag Blanket To Show Love And Support. It’s Super Wholesome And I Love It

Image credits: DrMBotha

#21 That’s Lil Brother Love

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Larsen gives some possible internal coping strategies for LGBTQ+ people. First, she says, it’s paramount to keep in mind that deep down, you’re still the same. “Remember that you are still the same person you were before you came out, with the same strengths and challenges. Your family’s rejection does not mean that you are worthless or unacceptable. Their rejection of you says more about them than it does about you,” Larson tells Bored Panda.

#22 My Supportive Mom Got Me And My Girlfriend Matching Bracelets

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#23 I Mean, Who Can Be Mad At An Honest Grandpa Who’s Going To Do His Darndest They Way He Knows How

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#24 Your Grandfather Is Epic

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Secondly, LGBTQ+ people should stop seeing themselves through the eyes of others. “Learn to see yourself through your own eyes,” Larsen says. “Hopefully, you know your own talents, qualities, and values. Those don’t change based on what other people think of you. They are enduring characteristics that you have as long as you choose to keep them. You might have to detoxify from how other people have treated you or seen you in order to find your own perspective of yourself.”

#25 My Son’s Boyfriend Gave Me A Father’s Day Card Because I’ve Made My Home Safe For Them Both

My (adult) son’s boyfriend didn’t have a healthy or safe father, but he’s watched me with my son, and it’s given him a new way to understand families. I came home from work today to find this card and sticker waiting for me, with this message inside. It takes a lot for him to express his feelings this way, so this is a priceless gift from him. I’ve had a hard time recently, losing a woman I’ve been deeply in love with who chose a different guy who doesn’t treat her well, struggling with money, feeling embarrassed at not being able to do more for my sons, plus being in counseling as a survivor of domestic abuse from an ex who told me I’m worthless, stupid, ugly, and that I should have ended myself years ago. I’m slowly rebuilding my life, and things like this give me hope that I’m doing a good job.

Image credits: Anishinaapunk

#26 Such Important Words

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#27 Sweet Grandma

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Lastly, Larsen recommends finding refuge by confiding in others. “Find resources in the community where you can meet other LGBTQ+ people to connect with and, hopefully, befriend. If necessary, join a support group for those who have lost family members due to rejection.”

#28 The Most Wholesome Picture From Pride This Year

Image credits: RPG_Vancouver

#29 I Made A Presentation To Explain My Transness To My Family

It went really well. I made the whole thing humorous, so it wouldn't seem confrontational, but it was a great way to inform them and set boundaries. I saw an instant change in pronoun usage and a general awareness of how they treated me.

Image credits: YourFriendJeebus

#30 Thought This Might Be Appreciated Here. Happy Pride Everyone! I Put This Together For My Dad And His Husband

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“Allow yourself to process the grief and trauma of being rejected, but don’t let it define you as a person,” Larsen reiterates. “There is so much more to you than the rejection. In the community of other like-minded people, you’ll be able to resurrect your self-esteem.”

#31 That’s The Reaction I Want From My Parents

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#32 Came Out As A Lesbian This Year. Christmas Gift From My Older Sister. It Is Safe To Say She’s Supportive

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#33 The Strudel Is The Most Important Stuff

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#34 My Mom Got A Bi Scorpion Tattoo Because I’m A Scorpio, I Love Her So Much. I Don’t Even Believe In Zodiac Signs But She Does And This Almost Made Me Cry

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#35 This Has Got To Be The Sweetest Thing Ever

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#36 My Dad’s Response To My Coming Out

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#37 For All The Folks Asking: He Does Not Speak Chinese, And When I Told My Grandma She Said “Ah I Guess You’ll Have To Continue Being The Family Translator Then”

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#38 Mom Says She Knew I Was Gay Before I Did. I Guffawed. She Showed Me This

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#39 Love To See Supportive Mama And Papa

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#40 I’m Proud She Was Raised With The Confidence To Be Who She Wants To Be

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#41 That’s So Nice

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#42 My Girlfriend, My Mom, And I Made An Asexual Cake For Pride

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#43 In Honor Of Pride Month, My Brother Painted The Lesbian Flag On The Back Of His Pickup Truck

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#44 Having Supportive Parents Is Awesome

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#45 You Are A Lucky Guy

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#46 I Came Out As Trans To My Family And My 9-Year-Old Sister Sent Me This

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#47 I Married Into This Awesome Family This Year! You Can Probably Tell Which One Is Me

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#48 My Mom Surprised Me With The Gayest Fans During Our Mother/Son Dance At My Wedding

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#49 I Came Out To My 76-Year-Old Grandpa Today

If you know me you know he is my favorite person. I was so nervous after hiding this part of me for years. His response was “you have to be you and proud to be you. I’m more proud that you told me”. I ugly cried y’all. I’m so lucky.

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#50 Finally Came Out To My Grandpa And His Response Is So Sweet

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#51 My Sister Recently Got Into Knitting, So I Obviously Had To Ask Her To Make Something Gay

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#52 Look How Cute She Is! So Supportive Of Her (Many) Queer Grandchildren. No Seriously There Are Tons Of Us, Happy Pride

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#53 For My Daughter. She Recently Came Out As Bi And We Wanted To Show Her Our Support

Image credits: Momof4andnomore

#54 4 Years Ago I Came Out To My Parents On Thanksgiving. I Was Horrified But My Mom’s First Response Was “When Are You Guys Getting Married?”

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#55 In The Past Years, My Dad Had A Hard Time Excepting Me Being Gay. That Is What My Parents Had For Me Today

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#56 My 73-Year-Old Mom Is Cooler Than Target. She Got Me This Hat And Realized Target Forgot The Purple. So She Queered It Up For Me

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#57 Just Came Out To My Dad

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#58 My Mom Made This Birthday Cake For My Friends And I To Have On Board Game Night Celebrating My Birthday

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#59 Got This From Dad For My 24th Birthday

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#60 What A Special Day It Was Yesterday

As I was getting my hair and makeup done preparing for Ferndale Pride, there was a knock at the door. It was my grandmother, who had taken her first greyhound ever down from Northern Michigan, to surprise me. I am so blessed to have the support system and family that I do! Feeling the love and blessings today!
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!

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#61 Pride Gnome My Grandma Got Me

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#62 I Came Out To My Parents A Couple Months Ago And Now My Dad Just Texted Me Saying He’s Been Trying To Learn More About The LGBTQ Community And I’m So Happy

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#63 Pride Parade Today! Supporting My Trans Kiddo

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#64 A Few Days After I Came Out To My Parents, Me And My Mum Saw These Pride Shoes While Shopping, This Is What I Got For Christmas

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#65 His Sign May Be Smaller, But His Message Is Much Bigger

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#66 This Is Amazing. I Say Acceptance Is A Lot. When A Person Changes, Cause It Shows They Love You For Who You Are

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#67 I Came Out To My Dad A Few Months Ago. We Were Talking About Gender And He Just Asked If I Was Non Binary, And I Said Yes

I was terrified because, in the past, my dad has said some very transphobic things. But a few days later, when he came to pick me up for something, he called me by my chosen name (which my mom told him). And since then he’s been trying his best to use my pronouns and he corrects himself constantly, it makes me so happy. Here’s a picture of him wearing a shirt I got him.

Image credits: ramen_gurl

#68 My Mom Took Pictures Of Me At Pride, And This One Looks Like An LGBTQ Poster You’d See In School During Pride Month. This Is The Coolest Photo Of Me To Ever Exist And I Want To Draw It

Image credits: TheObsessionUprise

#69 My Sister Being Subtly Supportive Is Just Really Nice

I’m at college and asked her to bring some hangers since I didn’t have enough and she was coming to campus. I didn’t realize at first what colors she’d brought! It’s really sweet because in her sophomore year, when my mother and I drove up to bring her back for break, she needed hangers and I strung together a few in the colors of the ace flag (she’s ace). She had come out about a year ago then and I’ve been out to her for just a few months now.