Coming out to parents/caregivers: Qualitatively investigating sexual and gender minority adults’ reflections on less-validating responses.

= 24) from across the United States were interviewed about their experiences coming out to parents/caregivers. Qualitative data were systematically coded and examined using applied thematic analysis. Less-validating responses were characterized by parents'/caregivers' verbal and nonverbal expressions of emotions like sadness, frustration, and disapproval with the identity and SGM emerging adults' perceptions of disregard for their preferred timeline for coming out. These perceptions led SGM emerging adults to feel that their own feelings and preferences were decentered, and instead, that parents'/caregivers' feelings and perceptions were the focus. Less-validating responses led to decreased closeness and sharing within the parent/caregiver-child relationship in the short term. However, relationship dynamics changed over time as this new identity information was incorporated by parents/caregivers. Together, findings suggest that fostering emotion regulation, communication skills, and education on SGM identities within families may be important for supporting SGM emerging adults and their families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).