LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than their heterosexual and gender-conforming peers to experience abuse, bullying, and mental health issues. They are also over-represented in the child welfare system and are more likely to experience adverse outcomes, such as placement in group homes, multiple placements, and homelessness.

Many LGBTQ+ youth experience rejection before entering care and have trauma compounded further by discrimination, harassment, and even violence once in care. Child welfare professionals can adopt an ally mindset and use a trauma-informed approach to prevent discriminatory experiences, as well as ensure collaboration with partners.

LGBTQ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. Q can also stand for questioning, especially in settings offering support for youth. LGBTQ or LGBTQ+ are recommended terms, with the “+” recognizing other non-straight and non-cisgender identities. Other acronyms and terminology like “gay community” may not reflect the full diversity of the community.

Tips for Child Welfare Professionals

• Ask people to describe themselves before labeling them.
• Use gender-neutral language (“someone special” versus boyfriend or girlfriend or address groups of people as “you all” instead of “you guys”).
• Connect youth to positive role models in the LGBTQ+ community and to local providers.
• Support youth’s self-expression through choices of clothing, jewelry, hairstyles, friends, and decorations.
• Encourage participation in activities regardless of whether they are stereotypically male or female.
• Avoid misgendering, by referring to someone as a gender other than the one they identify with.
• Consider introducing yourself with your preferred pronouns (see below).
• Speak up against offensive jokes and language. Explain what makes it harmful.

Providers and Resources

RESOURCES:  Youth.gov, www.glaad.org, GLAAD Glossary