Transgender youth face disproportionate rates of bullying, harassment, violence, and mental health issues compared to their cisgender peers. We know that LGBTQ+ youth, especially BIPOC trans youth, feel unsafe and misunderstood and often experience compounded discrimination based on their race, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Efforts to foster inclusive environments are critical in ensuring the well-being and success of LGBTQ+ youth. Still, unfortunately, these efforts are being met with resistance in schools, colleges, universities, and workplaces. Anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movements and "stop woke" campaigns led by far-right extremists are polarizing and challenging the progress made towards creating safe spaces for all individuals. This resistance is causing schools and corporations to retract from their commitment to inclusivity, opting for apathy instead of embracing their roles as courageous leaders in fostering acceptance and understanding despite the loud outcries from a few naysayers of DEI.

Despite these challenges, our team works tirelessly to provide essential education, training, and resources to help schools, health systems, and corporations become strong allies in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender youth and transgender people of color. Our work is pivotal in establishing a more equitable future through its multifaceted initiatives to combat these efforts.

Programs like Welcoming Schools, Youth Well-Being, and All Children-All Families ensure LGBTQ+ youth receive support through inclusive education and training for professionals that work in schools, after-school programs, and in the foster care system, countering harmful policies. From figures like Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters, who has led by promoting homophobic and transphobic policies, to Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida, who championed the infamous “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” law.

Our team’s reach extends to workplaces, advocating for robust DEI standards against corporate backsliding, exemplified by companies like Tractor Supply Company. Our work is crucial and extends far beyond the guidelines of an employee handbook or our Corporate Equality Index. True inclusivity and equality require more than just policies; they demand actionable commitment across all levels of an organization, from the factory floor to the corporate boardroom and everywhere in between.

By partnering with us, institutions can access valuable tools and guidance to create environments that are tolerant, affirming, and welcoming for all. Through education and training, these organizations can learn how to foster a culture of respect, understanding, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that every person, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can thrive and reach their full potential.

As we navigate the complexities of inclusivity and diversity, it is imperative that we commit to creating spaces that uplift and empower LGBTQ+ youth, especially those who face multiple forms of oppression. By embracing education, advocacy, and allyship, we can work towards a future where all individuals, regardless of their identities, are celebrated and embraced for who they are. The time to act is now, and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation stands ready to support this crucial journey towards a more inclusive and just society.