January 2026 – Question of the Month
A 14-year-old male and his parents comes to your office for his annual well child visit. He tells you that he is interested in joining the school’s basketball team. He recently came out as bisexual to his parents but is concerned about coming out to his potential teammates. What is the most appropriate advice to give to your patient with this concern:
EXPLANATION
Correct Answer: C) Provide encouragement to participate in a sport to help build self-confidence and physical well-being regardless of if he decides to share his sexuality with others
An accepting sports environment for LGBTQ youth allows them to gain the benefits of sports will being their authentic selves. LGBTQ youth participating in a sport will build self-confidence and learn skills that could help them navigate the workplace or the challenges of higher education. It can also provide physical well-being, improve a LGBTQ youth’s mood, and activate the release of endorphins while embracing a sense of team collaboration and confidence building. These activities help young people build communities of peers and friends to interact with and to share a common goal even at younger ages.