Support for lgbtq youth
Organizations Supporting LGBTQ Youth
American Institutes for Research (AIR)
AIR's Health and Social Development program works with a range of youth-serving systems and agencies to improve policies, services, and care for LGBTQ youth. This site offers a range of related resources and technical assistance facts.
American Psychological Association (APA) APA provides fact sheets, best practices and other resources for supporting LGBTQ youth. See the Resolution on Gender and Sexual Orientation Diversity in Children and Adolescents in Schools adopted by APA and NASP.
Children of Lesbian and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE) COLAGE unites people with LGBTQ parents into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities.
Family Acceptance Undertaking (FAP) FAP is a research initiative that helps support the mental skillfully being of LGBTQ youth, parents and families. This site offers training, up to date information and publications to help students of different cultures and religions.
Family Equality Council (FEC) FEC works at the local, state and federal level to provid
9 strategies to support Diverse youth
LGBTQ+ young people are significantly affected by the way that their families and communities respond to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Here, CHOC psychologist Dr. Adrianne Alpern offers some strategies to support LGBTQ+ youth – and if you’re reading this, you’re already off to a great start!
Make your home, office or classroom LGBTQ-affirming regardless of whether you have openly LGBTQ+ kids.
Remember that you do not always perceive whether someone identifies as LGBTQ+, and you can’t tell based on their appearance or behavior. One study found that 67% of LGBTQ+ youth possess heard their families create negative comments about Gay people; this number was higher for youth who were not out to their families (78%).
For this reason, avoid making insulting or negative comments about LGBTQ+ people whether or not you think it will affect individuals around you. Even better, regard making positive comments about the LGBTQ+ community. For example, you may speak of how great it is when people can be themselves, or when certain communities, sports organizations or television shows take steps toward being inclusive. You can also call out ot
Direct Online and Handset Support Services for Gay Youth
The Youth Well-Being program at HRC Foundation has compiled the accompanying direct service resources for LGBTQ+ youth and families.
The information about providers and services contained on this website does not constitute endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by HRC or HRC Foundation. HRC and HRC Foundation cannot confirm the level of confidentiality provided by each organization or service, and some crisis services may involve legal guardians and even regulation enforcement as deemed necessary. It is your responsibility to verify the level of confidentiality when communicating with a service or organization.
- The Trevor Project has several direct online resources specifically for LGBTQ+ youth:
- Trevor Lifeline is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386.
- TrevorChat is a confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7, at trevorproject.org/get-help-now/.
- TrevorText is a confidential write messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7/365, by texting START to 678678.
- TrevorSpace is an affirming
Where LGBTQ+ youth define their own journey.
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