Behaviors to Support & Affirm LGBTQ+ Youth

LGBTQ+ youth across the country are increasingly worried about their emotional well-being, physical safety, and their future plans and dreams. With the ongoing onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being introduced in state houses and increased frequency of open displays of anti-LGBTQ+ harassment and hate speech, LGBTQ+ youth are paying more attention to where and with whom they are most safe. 

If you are eager to be helpful and supportive, this guide provides concrete steps and actions you can take. 

• Avoid Assumptions in Communication: Be mindful not to assume the youth's gender or whom they might be romantically interested in. Ask what pronouns they use. Also, do not assume the marital status or make-up of families–not all youth have a mother and father at home. 
• Be an Upstander: Intervene anytime you hear anti-LGBTQ+ language or rhetoric, whether it’s at your own kitchen table, at a local grocery store, at work, or at a social event. If it feels scary to speak up, practice conversations in your head or with friends, and be prepared with key facts to share or points you want to make. 
• Listen: Listen to LGBTQ+ youth in your life and take their concerns and worries seriously. Don’t try to minimize or distract them from their feelings. You can’t promise that things will be easy for them, but you can promise that you will be there for them and that you will fight for them. 
• Be a Visible Ally: LGBTQ+ youth and their family members are often scanning an environment to determine if they are safe and welcome there. Wear lanyards, pins, or shirts with LGBTQ+ affirming symbols or words. Hang a Pride flag or affirming posters or photos where you live, work, or volunteer. Include LGBTQ+ themed books and magazines on your shelves. 
• Find Joy & Have Some Fun: In uncertain times, LGBTQ+ youth still deserve to be kids. Find games, movies, books, outdoor activities to have fun and find some joy!
• Be Aware of Signs & Symptoms of Suicidality & Mental Health Distress: Given that many LGBTQ+ young people may be experiencing mental health distress, it’s important that all caring adults are equipped with information to identify that distress, especially suicidality. If your community has counseling services, work with them to provide information and resources to identifying signs of suicidality in conjunction with amplifying life-saving resources. 
  • The Trevor Project - Resources for Talking About Suicide 
  • Active Minds - Signs & Symptoms 
  • Mental Health American - Helping Someone Else 
• Amplify LGBTQ+ Support Resources: 
  • The 988 Lifeline: call or text 988 
  • The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis counseling 
  • TrevorSpace: LGBTQ+ affirming online community for 13-24 year olds 
  • Trans Lifeline: connect trans folks to resources and communities of support
  • CenterLink: find a local LGBTQ+ center or program for support and community 
  • PFLAG: support of family members of LGBTQ+ people with local chapters 
  • Q Chat Space: online moderated chat for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-19 
  • imi Guide: resources for LGBTQ+ youth by LGBTQ+ youth