Advocacy strategies and resources

LGBTQ+ Youth

Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, or queer are over-represented within the foster care system. Some LGBTQ+ youth come into care because of a lack of acceptance from their families. Those within care are more likely to experience stigma, discrimination, abuse because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity, bullying, impermanence, and homelessness.  

HOW TO ADVOCATE: 

As a CASA working with a youth who either identifies as LGBTQ+ or is questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation, it is important that you show up as an ally. You can do this by modeling acceptance and support while actively ensuring their rights are protected, and their well-being is prioritized. There are many ways to proactively advocate in this area on your youth’s behalf.  

Behind-the-scenes: 

• Expand your knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues and examine your own biases.  

• Gently correct those using your youth’s incorrect pronouns, name, or qualifiers. This is a small but significant way you can advocate for your youth’s rights.  

• Advocate for them to receive appropriate sexual health services.  

• Ensure they are getting support at school and with their team. 

• Access to grant funding as needed to help your youth get what they may need to express themselves.  

• Prioritize permanency. CASAs should advocate for permanent connections to be prioritized that feel safe and nurturing for your youth. 

• Respect confidentiality and do not “out” your youth. Your youth may have shared about their sexual orientation and/or gender identity with you, but do not share that with others unless they explicitly give you permission to do so. 

With your Youth: 

• Create a safe space by actively and nonjudgmentally listening to them if they want to speak about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Otherwise, follow their lead and do not bring this subject up. It should be a conversation that is relevant to your advocacy work around permanency, placement, and safety.  

• Use appropriate pronouns and names. If your youth explicitly asks you to refer to them by a particular pronoun and/or name or mentions this in passing, it is vital that you make the effort to abide by that. Additionally, if you are working with a transgender, gender variant, or gender queer youth and are not sure what pronouns they prefer, just ask! 

• Use general neutral language. Never make assumptions. For example, rather than asking, “Do you have a girlfriend?” you might ask “Is there someone you are interested in?” 

• Explore gender neutral activities to do together. Keep it broad and let them guide the search process!  

• Empower your youth to be themselves and normalize the process of questioning their identity and sexuality. This process is normal for young people, and it is not always straightforward. Validate they don’t have to know and make sure to avoid all labels and assumptions based on how they identify in one moment, since it can shift in the next.  

• Talk to them about their rights and healthcare needs. 

• If appropriate, connect them with local resources/communities of support that allow them to feel safe and seen. 

APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE: 

As a CASA, focus on approaching this subject with your youth using strategies to ensure there is an atmosphere of acceptance.  

Remember: it is only appropriate to bring up this subject if your youth indicates they would like to speak about it or need support around it. Listen for cues and language that may invite a discussion to ensure that your youth feels safe and respected. 

LGBTQ+ foster youth in California receive special protection within the child welfare system against harassment and discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, and HIV/AIDS status. These protections include:  

• the right to dress however they want, 

• the right to go by the name of their choosing, 

• the right to connect to LGBTQ+ activities and resources. 

They also have a constitutional right to be given equal access to all available services, placement options, and benefits.  

In addition, it is illegal for group home facilities to not provide equal support and protection to LGBTQ+ youth. The California Foster Care Nondiscrimination Act mandates that all group home administrators and foster parents receive ongoing training on the right to equal access to services and the right to be free from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.  

These rights are further protected through the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause, which allow all youth their constitutional rights to freedom of expression, such as being able to dress according to their own gender identity. 

RESOURCES: 

12 Tips for Advocating for LGBTQ Youth 

LGBTQ Youth in the California Foster Care System: A Question and Answer Guide 

Queer & Trans Youth in California Foster Care Have Rights: A Know Your Rights Guide 

I Think I Might Be Transgender, Now What Do I Do?  

Supporting & Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth 

Getting Down to Basics: Tools to Support LGBTQ Youth in Care 

Advocates for Intersex Youth 

Hotlines: 

• CUAV (Community United Against Violence): (415) 333-HELP  

• GLBT Hate Crimes Hotline: (800) 686-HATE 

• Gay & Lesbian National Hotline: (888) THE-GLNH 

• National Runaway Hotline: (800) 231-6946 

• San Francisco AIDS Hotline: (800) FOR-AIDS 

• San Francisco Sex Information: (415) 989-SFSI (7374), free, confidential, accurate, non-judgmental information about sex. 3-9 PM Monday through Thursday, 3-6 PM Friday, 2-5 PM Sunday. 

Partner Organizations:

There are many organizations both locally and nationally striving to support LGBTQ+ individuals. Check out these organizations below: