Find resources and information in this section for use by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. This section is designed to help LGBTQ youth answer a variety of questions related to their out-of-home care experience and includes information on organizations that support LGBTQ youth.
Adolescent Health
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Population Affairs (2016)
Describes the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among adolescents and connects readers with resources for STD services and for more information.
The Basic LGBTQ+ Sex Education We Wish We'd Had at School
MTV
Discusses various topics related to LGBTQ sexuality, including coming out, practicing safe sex, and understanding transgender identities.
Child Welfare: LGBTQ
Youth.gov
Provides information and resources to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the foster system, including resource to recruit LGBTQ families, resources for child welfare professionals who work with LGBTQ youth, and resources to help LGBTQ youth understand their rights in the child welfare and other systems.
Considerations for LGBTQ Children and Youth in Foster Care: Exploring Normalcy as It Relates to P.L. 113–183 [Webinar]
Capacity Building Center for States (2016)
Provides an overview of normalcy as it is addressed in the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (P.L. 113-183) and as it relates to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) children and youth. This resource requires free registration.
Know Your Rights: LGBTQ Teens and Young Adults
Lambda Legal
Helps young people know their rights and ensure those rights are respected in several domains, including health, family, and workplaces.
| Series Title | Factsheets |
| Author(s) | U.S. Children's Bureau |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 2,016KB) Order bound (Free) |
| Disponibilidad | Ver Versión para imprimir (PDF - 1,184KB) Ordene Encuadernado (Gratis) |
| Year Published | 2012 |
On Our Own: A Survival Guide for Independent LGBTQ Youth
Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Time Out Youth Center, & True Colors Fund (2016)
Prepares LGBTQ youth to negotiate important decision-making processes related to leaving their homes. This resource includes information pertaining to physical and financial independence, connecting with resources, and continuing education.
Resources for LGBTQ Youth
Lambda Legal
Lists State-based service providers specializing in supporting LGBTQ-identifying youth involved with the child welfare system.
Organizations that support LGBTQ youth
| Series Title | Related Organizations Lists |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View |
| Year Published | 2021 |
It Gets Better Project
Provides inspirational videos and personal stories from users around the world in support of LGBTQ youth. The videos aim to show youth, as they experience their teen years, that they are not alone and that they have the potential to be happy and have positive futures.
Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Supports and provides resources to student organizers and more than 4,000 gay-straight alliances. The information and resources on GLSEN's website focus on ensuring safe schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.
The Trevor Project
Offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth, as well as information on warning signs, risk factors, and resources for educators and parents. The project also offers free live help through chat and a telephone hotline.