Creating Safe Space for GLBTQ Youth: A Toolkit
Some organizations and programs are intentional about serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioningµ (GLBTQ) youth. However, many youth-serving programs in the United States—including educational, health care, youth development, sports, recreational, and employment programs, among others—ignore, overlook, or reject the presence of GLBTQ youth among those they serve. A recent survey of high school youth found that less than six percent self-identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual and/or report same-sex sexual contact.
This percentage probably does not include transgender and questioning youth or those who are fearful of sharing information about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Consider then, that six to 10 percent of the young people in your program may be GLBTQ. Unless your program positively acknowledges their presence and actively affirms their rights and dignity, these young people may feel compelled to keep their sexual identity a secret. Having to keep secret such an essential part of life puts these youth at risk of negative mental and physical health outcomes.2 Advocates for Youth and Girl’s Best Friend Foundation approach all their work with youth from a firm belief that every young person is of great value, irrespective of race/ethnicity, biological sex, health status, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Indeed, valuing youth provides an ethical imperative to acknowledge and serve GLBTQ youth equally and positively along with straight youth and those who conform to society’s gender role expectations.
GLBTQ youth need and deserve help to survive in the face of family rejection and school harassment, against heightened rates of HIV, STI, suicide, and violence victimization, and against racial, cultural, and socio-economic prejudice. Even more, they should be able to thrive as valued members of their communities. Anyone who provides services to young people has an obligation to promote the health and well-being of all the youth in the program, including GLBTQ young people. At the same time, providing a safe and supportive spaceπ for GLBTQ youth will also help to provide a safe space in which straight youth can thrive.