Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and uplift supportive practices that help LGBTQ+ youth and families grow and succeed. However, LGBTQ+ youth and families are under attack. This year, a record number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills—particularly anti-transgender bills—have been introduced by state legislatures, actions that exacerbate already hostile climates for LGBTQ+ youth and families.
Below, you’ll find several Child Trends resources that examine the effects of discriminatory legislation on LGBTQ+ youth’s health and development and highlight supportive practices that promote well-being and equitable outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth:
Discriminatory Transgender Health Bills Have Critical Consequences for Youth describes gender-affirming care and why it is critical for transgender children and youth’s well-being. The authors explain how policies that deny transgender children access to affirming care—or criminalize adults who support them—harm these children and their families.
Anti-LGBTQ Policy Proposals Can Harm Youth Mental Health compares proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation at the state level to the volume of Crisis Text Line conversations from LGBTQ texters under age 18 and suggests that these legislative proposals may have immediate implications for young people’s health and welfare.
Research Shows the Risk of Misgendering Transgender Youth discusses how affirming transgender youth’s identities is important for reducing their risk of suicide and improving overall youth health and well-being.
Policies That Discriminate Against LGBTQ Students Are Not Aligned with Child Development Research describes the benefits of providing LGBTQ+ students access to curricula, protections, and activities that affirm their identities and promote their ability to succeed. The authors also review potential risks of policies that restrict these young people’s rights or remove protections.
