How can you make a difference for LGBTQ+ youth at a time when more and more states are restricting supportive and affirming services that research shows can make a difference?
Since the start of the year, 460 anti-LGBT laws have been proposed in states across the US. These include book bans, censorship of LGBT-inclusive curriculum, restrictions on affirming care for trans youth, mandatory outing bills, and “don’t say gay” bills. These bills are poised to cause harm to an entire generation of young people.
At a moment in time when an LGBTQ+ young person attempts suicide every 45 seconds in this country, the response of many of our state policymakers is to take away spaces, services, and care that can make a difference and save lives. This is heartbreaking.
Although more and more states are codifying climates that shame LGBTQ+ people, there are still ways that we can individually take action and create pathways for young people to grow into their hopeful possibilities. Each of us hold the power to make small differences that can add up.
As a caring adult, you can play a crucial role in encouraging young people to accept and feel proud of who they are by using affirming language and creating protective moments that celebrate (rather than shame) their LGBTQ+ identities.
Today, Mentorist.org is releasing my new free self-paced course for caring adults, youth-serving organizations, and educators: "Supporting Identity in LGBTQ+ Youth." In the course, you'll learn:
- An overview of identity development in LGBTQ+ youth
- Identity milestones
- A closer look at strategies you can use to support LGBTQ+ young people as they question, explore, accept, share, and synthesize their identity
- Resources and additional learning.
I invite you to share this free training with anyone who wants to support LGBTQ+ youth amid our current crisis.
Visit Mentorist.org, and subscribe to my mailing list to receive an email when each new module comes out and to receive updates on ways you can make a difference.
If you want to know more about these trainings, or how I can work directly with your organization to build your capacity for inclusion, please reach out!
Executive Director at Briarpatch Youth Services
1moThank you for highlighting this fantastic program!