Creating inclusive and affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth: Part 1
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EmailLGBTQIA+ youth exhibit remarkable resilience and thrive when they cultivate supportive relationships within their community and receive affirmation from caring adults and peers.
According to a study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, 9.54% of youth aged 13 – 17 identify as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender). In the state of Michigan, this equates to approximately 61,100 students. Alarmingly, over 50% of these individuals have shown signs of depression, anxiety and a reduced capacity to manage stress. Furthermore, The Trevor Project reports that at least 75% have reported facing discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity and are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers.
LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual and additional gender and sexual identities) youth are not intrinsically at a greater risk of suicide due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, they face an elevated risk as a result of the discrimination and stigma they encounter within society. However, LGBTQIA+ youth demonstrate resilience and flourish when they establish positive connections within their community, experience a sense of value and affirmation from both family and community, and engage in programs (such as 4-H) that offer inclusive curricula, policies and practices facilitated by trained and competent personnel. The presence of compassionate adults who validate the identities of LGBTQIA+ youth and offer assistance in managing challenging situations can be crucial in determining their survival.
What can adults who program with youth do to positively impact LGBTQIA+ youth?
- Refrain from making assumptions. Analyze the language you employ to enhance inclusivity. Pose open-ended and gender-neutral inquiries to young individuals regarding significant friendships and relationships, such as asking, “Are you currently seeing someone special?” instead of “Do you have a boyfriend?”
- Deliberately engage with participants throughout and upon conclusion of the programming. Observe non-verbal signals that may reflect an individual's comfort level, as well as those who might require additional support. Deliberately create a safe environment for youth to discuss their sexual orientation and to express their gender identity authentically.
- Assess your surroundings. Are you fostering an inviting and supportive atmosphere for all young individuals, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community? Showcase positive and affirming symbols related to LGBTQIA+ identities. Incorporate inclusive language in your program materials and demonstrate the sharing of pronouns during group introductions and icebreaker activities.
- Create an environment where young people can openly share their preferred names and pronouns. The use of appropriate pronouns can help diminish stigma for those whose pronouns may not align with societal expectations. Additionally, it mitigates assumptions based on an individual's appearance, voice and behavior, as gender expression can manifest in a variety of forms.
LGBTQIA+ youth have the right to experience safety, respect and recognition in all aspects of their lives. 4-H is uniquely positioned to cultivate an atmosphere where every participant can flourish and realize their utmost potential. Promoting a sense of belonging and community is essential for guiding all young individuals toward a successful future.
Read more about creating inclusive and affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth in Part 2 of this series.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. To find out how to get involved as a youth participant or an adult volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office.
