Being Yourself Shouldn't Put You at Risk
Every youth in foster care deserves to feel safe and supported, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
Why it Matters
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and 2-Spirit (LGBTQ2S+) youth often encounter discriminatory and inequitable treatment in the foster care system simply due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression. Improved policies and practices are essential, and are most effective when led by LGBTQ2S+ Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders who have firsthand experience within the system. These targeted improvements serve to provide LGBTQ2S+ identifying youth with the specific support and protection they rightfully deserve.
Quick Facts
- Approximately 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+, compared to 11.2% of youth not in foster care. (Children's Rights)
- 44% of LGBTQ+ youth in in foster care report they were removed, ran away, or were thrown out of their homes due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. (Children's Rights)
- LGBTQ+ youth in foster care are more likely to experience discrimination, multiple placements, and placement in group homes compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers. (HRC)
- LGBTQ+ youth who have been in foster care are nearly three times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those who have not been in foster care. (Trevor Project)
"We need to make sure LGBTQIA2S+ youth are represented and protected no matter what services they are getting and where they’re at."
— Keona Rose, She/Her, Spent time in Arizona foster care system
Tools You Can Use
- Learn the Basics: Build your understanding of LGBTQ2S+ issues in foster care with FosterClub's Supporting LGBTQ2S+ Youth in Foster Care foster parent training.
- Support LGBTQ2S+ Youth: Access affirming resources for caregivers and professionals through the National SOGIE Center and the Guide for Foster Parents.
- Understand the Data: Learn why collecting SOGIE data matters and how it improves outcomes for LGBTQ2S+ youth in care.
- Create Affirming Environments: Learn strategies for building supportive communities and child welfare systems for LGBTQ2S+ youth through this resource from the Center for the Study of Social Policy.
How We're Working on This Issue
Speak with Federal Officials About SOGI Data Collection
LGBTQ2S+ FosterClub LEx leaders often meet with federal officials to discuss their experiences related to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) while in foster care. Conversations range from whether youth feel safe disclosing their SOGI, to the impact of coming out during their time in foster care.
Read more about this work here.
Advocate for Laws to Fight Discrimination by Agencies
FosterClub's LEx Leaders work with a coalition of national organizations to protect LGBTQ2S+ youth and families in foster care. When a new federal rule was proposed to prevent discrimination by federal agencies, LEx Leaders shared their experiences to show why these protections matter for LGBTQ2S+ youth in care.
Read more about this work here.
Contribute to Government Reports
FosterClub's Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders worked with the Government Accountability Office to share their foster care experiences, focusing on LGBTQ2S+ identity and religious background. Their stories helped shape a report with recommendations for how states can better support LGBTQ2S+ youth.
Read more about this work here.
One thing I truly admire is the strength and resilience of same-sex [foster] parents. It’s an incredibly difficult process...their dedication to providing safe, loving homes [to foster youth] despite the hurdles is nothing short of inspiring."
— Gabe Foley, He/Him, Spent 18 years in Illinois foster care system
Want to Learn More?
LGBTQ2S+ Youth in the Foster Care System from Human Rights Campaign and FosterClub
LGBTQ in Child Welfare from the Annie E. Casey Foundation
How can child welfare agencies effectively support LGBTQ+ youth in care? from Casey family Programs
Blogs on LGBTQ2S+ Youth
National Policy Council Submits Comments to HHS regarding removal of protections from discrimination
In December 2019, Members of the National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council submitted comments in response to a proposed rule change from HHS ( RIN 0991-AC16, 84 Fed. Reg. 63831 (Nov. 19, 2019 ) which would essentially remove protections from discrimination for children and young people on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and in some...
FosterClub Host Learning Session On HHS New Rule - Watch the Webinar!
Watch this 30-min video which briefly discusses the proposed new rule at Health and Human Services (HHS). The new rule aims to take away protections provided to certain groups. We breakdown what those protections are. We will also talk about what a federal rule is, what public comment is, and what you can do to help! Please take a few...
Sonia's Story
Sonia Emerson 26 years old She/Her/Hers 16 years in Ohio's child welfare system. Sonia Emerson entered foster care at the age of two, she was removed from her biological mother due to neglect and abuse. At the age of 9, she was adopted. This was an opportunity for Sonia to have a permanent home, unfortunately, the adoption failed due to...
Patrick's Story
Patrick Gem Gabbett 20 years old He/Him/His & They/Them/Theirs 3 years in California's child welfare system. Patrick entered care at the age of 17 after escaping his abusive family, with the support of his online friends, school staff, and journalism teacher. He has opted into extended care until this fall when he will age out of the system. Patrick’s most...
Chrissy's Story
Chrissy Carter 19 years old She/Her/Hers & They/Them/Theirs 5 years in Pennsylvania's child welfare system. Chrissy Carter entered care at the age of 13. They were asked to be removed from their home to ensure their safety as a queer black youth. After being removed, they were fortunate enough to find a home with two women who identify as lesbian...
States of Equality: Tristan in Nevada
Tristan knows the power of sharing your story. As a young trans man, he spent nine months in the foster care system and faced many adverse experiences because of his identity. As a FosterClub Young Leader and a strong advocate for LGBTQ youth, Tristan’s advocacy work was fundamental to the success of Nevada’s Assembly Bill 99, a measure signed into...
This work is supported by:
