It's time to focus on supporting and uplifting LGBTQIA+ youth. Period!
Today, young LGBTQIA+ individuals are facing an onslaught of unique challenges as they navigate their identities and seek acceptance in a society that continues to reject them. It is the responsibility of parents, educators, allies, and the rest of the LGBTQIA+ community to create safe and inclusive spaces where LGBTQIA+ youth can connect with meaningful representation in order to thrive.
In this article, I will outline the policies that are being passed around the world in 2023 that negatively impact LGBTQIA+ youth. And we will explore ways in which we can all provide support to LGBTQIA+ youth to ensure their well-being and empowerment.
Global anti-LGBTQIA+ laws affecting the youth community
There have been more anti-LGBTQIA+ bills introduced in state houses this year than in each of the previous five years; with the increase in LGBTQIA+ erasure bills, bills that strip away dozens of legal protections and rights for LGBTQIA+ people, coming as the newest form of attacks on the community.
More than 125 bills would prevent trans youth from being able to access age-appropriate, medically-necessary, best-practice health care, in addition to more than 45 bills banning transgender students from playing school sports and more than 30 “bathroom bills,” a figure that exceeds the number bathroom bills filed in any previous year.
Over 540 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures, a record; over 220 bills specifically target transgender and non-binary people, also a record; and 45 anti-LGBTQIA laws have been enacted so far this year, including:
Laws banning gender affirming care for transgender youth
Laws requiring or allowing misgendering of transgender students
Laws targeting drag performances
Laws creating a license to discriminate
Laws censoring school curriculum, including books
In the past week, the following bills have been advanced:
In Alabama
HB 261: would ban transgender college and university students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.
HB 354: would expand the state’s current “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” education policy
In Florida
HB 1674: “bathroom bill” that would prohibit transgender people from using restrooms aligning with their gender identity
SB 254: would ban gender affirming care for transgender youth and would also also give Florida the unprecedented ability to strip parental rights from a parent who supports their transgender child and give custody to the parent who does not support their child
In Indiana
SB 350: would ban local governments from stopping conversion therapy
In Iowa
SF 496: would ban classroom discussions that touch on LGBTQIA+ topics in grades K-6, and would also require schools to forcibly out transgender students
In Louisiana
HB 466: would establish “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” style curriculum restrictions
In Montana
SB 458: “LGBTQ+ Erasure Act” that would prohibit LGBTQIA+ people from bringing claims of sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination in areas like employment, housing, public accommodations, health care, credit, and education. It would also require applications and records such as marriage license, death certificates, cemetery interment records, and child support registration to list sex based on type of gametes, eggs, or sperm rather than gender identity. The bill doubles down on the state ban on transgender students participating in sports consistent with their gender identity and the ban on marriage for same-sex couples
HB 359: would target public drag performances
HB 676: would censor curriculum
In Nebraska
LB 574: would ban gender affirming care for transgender youth
In New Hampshire
SB 272: would force schools to out transgender and non-binary students
In North Dakota
HB 1522: would prohibit the use of pronouns in accordance with a pupil’s gender identity in schools
HB 1297: would prohibit changes to gender markers on birth certificates
HB 1474: would remove transgender individuals from state data collection
In Oklahoma
SB 613: would ban gender affirming care for transgender youth
In South Carolina
H 3728: would censor curriculum and prohibit schools from requiring staff to engage in gender or sexual diversity training
In Tennessee
HB 239: the “LGBTQ+ Erasure Act” would adopt an exclusionary and discriminatory definition of sex which would exclude LGBTQIA+ people from state non-discrimination laws and allow discrimination against transgender people in critical services including rape crisis centres and domestic violence shelters, in detention facilities, as well as in bathrooms, locker rooms, school athletics and beyond
HB 1269: would allow for the intentional misgendering and deadnaming of transgender and non-binary students by their teachers
HB 158/SB 102: would prohibit public education institutions from requiring implicit bias training
In Texas
SB 1029: would probit all Texans of any age from receiving gender affirming care
How does this impact LGBTQIA+ youth?
Mental illness is more common in LGBTQIA+ youth compared to their cisgender/heterosexual peers. Because of the stress and discrimination that LGBTQIA+ youth face, they are at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideologies. Studies show that more than 50% of LGBTQIA+ youth will contemplate suicide, with risk being higher if youth are rejected by their families. In addition, many LGBTQIA+ youth lack access to safe, competent, and affirming mental health care, leaving these symptoms untreated.
The policies that are currently being passed around the world will only increase the amount of LGBTQIA+ youth that suffer from both mental and physical disorders. There are obvious issues with the policies being passed that directly affect LGBTQIA+ youth, but more than that, the policies that affect LGBTQIA+ adults also have a significant impact on LGBTQIA+ youth.
let's look at things from the perspective of the LGBTQIA+ youth community for a moment...
Imagine knowing that, even after you've made it through life as an LGBTQIA+ minor, after you've been outed, misgendered, deadnamed, and bullied for years at school; after you've been denied any access to resources and people that could help you to make sense of the completely natural feelings you're experiencing; that as an adult you STILL won't be able to update your birth certificate to represent who you really are; you STILL won't be able to access any mental or physical health care or gender-affirming procedures; you STILL won't be able to use the restroom that represent your gender.
Why would you want to grow up and live in a world where you know you won't be able to be yourself?
The alternative though, is terrifying for all of us, isn't it?
So, what we can we do to support our LGBTQIA+ youth community?
Foster a Safe and Inclusive Environment at School
Educate yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ identities, experiences, and terminology. This will help you better understand and support LGBTQIA+ youth.
Create an inclusive space: Foster an environment where LGBTQIA+ youth feel safe, accepted, and supported. Establish inclusive policies, provide LGBTQIA+-inclusive resources, and advocate for inclusive curricula.
Encourage open dialogue: Create opportunities for open and honest conversations about LGBTQIA+ issues. Encourage questions, listen actively, and validate their experiences. Be an ally and offer support when needed.
Provide Emotional Support
Be available: Let LGBTQIA+ youth know that you are there for them as a trusted adult or ally. Offer a listening ear, empathy, and reassurance.
Validate their feelings: It is important to acknowledge and validate their experiences. Avoid dismissive or invalidating statements. Let them know that their feelings are valid and accepted.
Connect with support networks: Familiarise yourself with local LGBTQIA+ organisations, support groups, or counselling services that can provide additional support. Encourage LGBTQIA+ youth to connect with these resources if needed.
Encourage Self-Acceptance and Empowerment
Celebrate identities: Help LGBTQIA+ youth embrace and celebrate their identities. Encourage them to explore their interests, express themselves authentically, and be proud of who they are.
Role models and representation: Provide positive LGBTQIA+ role models, whether through books, movies, or community leaders. Representation matters and can inspire LGBTQIA+ youth to be proud of their identities and aspirations.
Promote self-care: Encourage LGBTQIA+ youth to prioritise their well-being. Support them in finding healthy coping mechanisms, engaging in self-care activities, and seeking mental health support if needed.
Engage with LGBTQIA+ Communities and Events
Attend Pride events: Pride Month offers numerous opportunities to engage with LGBTQIA+ communities and participate in Pride events. Attend parades, festivals, and other LGBTQUA+ gatherings to show solidarity and celebrate diversity.
LGBTQIA+ support groups: Encourage LGBTQIA+ youth to join local LGBTQIA+ support groups or clubs where they can meet peers who share similar experiences and find a sense of belonging.
Volunteer and advocate: Engage in volunteer activities that support LGBTQIA+ causes or organisations. Advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality in your community and beyond.
Encourage Education and Awareness
LGBTQIA+ inclusive education: Advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusive education within schools and educational institutions. Support the integration of LGBTQIA+ history, contributions, and experiences into the curriculum to foster understanding and acceptance.
Workshops and trainings: Organise or participate in workshops and trainings that focus on LGBTQIA+ issues, identities, and experiences. This helps create a more informed and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Supportive Parenting
Communication and acceptance: Encourage parents to have open and non-judgmental conversations with their LGBTQIA+ children. Assure them of their love and acceptance, and help them navigate any challenges they may face.
Seek support networks: Connect parents with LGBTQIA+ parent support groups or online communities. These spaces offer opportunities to connect with other parents who share similar experiences, providing valuable guidance and support.
Allyship and Advocacy
Allyship education: Educate allies about the importance of being supportive allies to LGBTQIA+ youth. Provide resources and guidance on how they can actively support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality.
Amplify LGBTQIA+ voices: Encourage allies to use their platforms and privileges to amplify the voices and experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth. Share their stories, promote LGBTQIA+ events, and advocate for inclusive policies and practices.
Mental Health Support
LGBTQIA+ affirmative therapists: Connect LGBTQIA+ youth with mental health professionals who specialise in working with LGBTQIA+ individuals. These therapists can provide culturally competent support and address the specific challenges LGBTQIA+ youth may face.
Crisis hotlines and resources: Share information about LGBTQIA+ crisis hotlines and mental health resources that are available for immediate support.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ youth is a continuous journey that requires ongoing education, empathy, and commitment. Because they do exist, they always have and they always will. I was one of them, and I'd have given anything to just have a space where people could help me understand myself so that I felt normal.
By creating safe and inclusive spaces, providing emotional support, encouraging self-acceptance and empowerment, and engaging with LGBTQIA+ communities and events, we can play a vital role in the well-being and success of LGBTQIA+ youth. We must stand together as parents, educators, and allies, ensuring that LGBTQIA+ youth feel seen, valued, and empowered not only during Pride Month but every day of the year, because the support and love you offer an LGBTQIA+ child can make a lasting impact on their lives.
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