Gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or other diverse identity (LGBTQ+) youth experience complex challenges, including homophobia and transphobia, in addition to those typically associated with child welfare involvement. As such, they require specialized care and support across mental and physical health, educational, and social domains. 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. Find resources and information in this section for use by 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 LGBTQ+ youth in the foster system, including resources 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 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.
Making Healthy Choices: A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care
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
Advocacy and Support Organizations for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Communities
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.
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.
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.