SUPPORT LGBTQIA+ YOUTH BY GIVING THEM A SPACE TO BE HEARD

Within Los Angeles County, as well as nationwide, it is essential to prioritize the support and livelihood of our LGBTQIA+ youth. LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly those who are Black or Latino, are disproportionately affected by the school-to-prison pipeline (1). These students often face hostile school climates marked by bullying, misgendering, lack of affirming support, and zero-tolerance discipline policies that criminalize the LGBTQIA+ community. According to national data, LGBTQIA+ youth are more likely to be suspended or expelled than their non-LGBTQIA+ peers and are significantly overrepresented in juvenile detention facilities (2). This is reinforced by the absence of an inclusive curriculum, lack of trained mental health staff, and inadequate protections for gender identity and expression in schools (3).  Advocacy efforts, such as restorative justice programs, gender-affirming policies, and trauma-informed practices, are critical to disrupting this pipeline. 

A CYS Prevention Case Manager recently worked with an LGBTQIA+ youth to give them a safe space to open up:

Taking the first steps in listening to and recognizing LGBTQIA+ youth can go a long way in impacting their lives and future steps.