Jane Fonda to LGBT Youth: 'You Are Not Alone'

Jane Fonda has a message of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people.

"Just know that you are not alone, that all around this country, there are places that you can go to find support and help and advice and love. You are not alone," Fonda said, in an interview with The Advocate at the season 2 premiere of Grace and Frankie.

The actress told youth they should not give up hope as they come out to their parents, whatever the reaction to the news might be.

"Do not despair, no matter what your parents say," she continued. "You've got to understand it can be very hard for parents to hear that their son or daughter is gay. But it's their problem. It's not your problem. Don't despair."

Fonda, an LGBT ally, recently said she would not go to North Carolina due to its recent passage of anti-LGBT legislation, which, among other grievances, forbids transgender people from using the bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

On Grace and Frankie, Fonda portrays Grace, a woman whose husband (Martin Sheen) comes out as gay and leaves her for another man (Sam Waterston). Afterward, she begins an unlikely friendship with Frankie (Lily Tomlin), who plays Waterston's now ex-wife.

The Netflix show, which resumes May 6 on Netflix, is unique in its portrayal of both gay and straight people discovering love and companionship in their golden years.

At the premiere, Waterston said laughter might be the best medicine for those going through a situation similiar to his character's.

"Laughter is healing," he said. "And if you can have enough distance in your own life to be able to laugh, it can probably help."

LGBT young people who are looking for support, advice, or help can reach out to The Trevor Project's lifeline at 866-488-7386.