6 days ago
Despite efforts to dismantle protections for LGBTQIA+ youth, we can't afford to lose the progress we've made
Young people discovering their sexual orientation or gender identity are simply learning who they are— just like all youth do — and deserve our love and support, not suspicion or stigma. LGBTQIA+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those who reported living in very unaccepting communities. The data is clear: this increased risk is not because of a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It's because LGBTQ+ youth often face mistreatment, stigma, and discrimination in their daily lives.
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For LGBTQIA+ youth, the consequences are devastating. LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers, according to
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The
Lifting Up LGBTQIA+ Youth & Families
—
A Policy and Practice Symposium
. This event brought together a strong array of advocates, policymakers, and experts from across New England to share information and strategies for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in our work.
At the symposium, participants heard about the work happening at the state and local levels to protect youth and families at risk. We discussed the effect of state policies that affirm access to gender-affirming care, provide critical mental health support, and create safe housing for LGBTQIA+ youth. Most importantly, we heard the call from members of the
Families thrive when children are accepted for who they are and supported by their families and caregivers and young people do best when they are supported and surrounded with care. If we are serious about preventing abuse and discrimination, then we must invest in the essential supports that all children and families need: safe housing, affirming health care, access to quality education, economic security, and strong violence prevention and anti-discrimination efforts.
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Massachusetts and Rhode Island have long been leaders in advancing equality and inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ individuals and both of our organizations uphold these values and commitment. We must not let our progress be undone.
Rachel Gwaltney is executive director of the Children's League of Massachusetts and Tanja Kubas-Meyer is the executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families.
