The Children’s League of Massachusetts and Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families (RICCF) believes that every child and young person deserves to be nurtured, accepted, and protected, especially those who face additional risks due to discrimination or rejection.
Our states have a history of uplifting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual plus (LGBTQIA+) communities. Despite representing a small percentage of the general population, LGBTQIA+ youth are overrepresented in the child welfare system and are more likely to experience psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming youth, in particular, face higher rates of familial rejection, abuse, and systemic barriers to safety and well-being.
It is deeply concerning that current federal policies aim to dismantle anti-discrimination policies that provide protections to LGBTQIA+ youth. Whether eliminating gender and sexual identity markers other than male/female through executive order, or allowing discrimination in education, health care, etc., these actions are creating a hostile environment for LGBTQIA+ youth and their families. This is an assault on the basic humanity and dignity of our LGBTQIA+ communities and puts vulnerable youth and families at greater risk.
Young people discovering their sexual orientation or gender identity are simply learning who they are— just like all youth do — and deserve our love and support, not suspicion or stigma. LGBTQIA+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those who reported living in very unaccepting communities. The data is clear: this increased risk is not because of a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s because LGBTQ+ youth often face mistreatment, stigma, and discrimination in their daily lives.
For LGBTQIA+ youth, the consequences are devastating. LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers, according to The Trevor Project. Their 2024 national survey found that 39 percent of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide, including about half of all transgender and non-binary young people. Discriminatory actions don’t just set policy; they send a message that LGBTQIA+ youth are less deserving of protection and care.
The Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Familiesin partnership with the Children’s League of Massachusettsrecently co-hosted Lifting Up LGBTQIA+ Youth & Families — A Policy and Practice Symposium. This event brought together a strong array of advocates, policymakers, and experts from across New England to share information and strategies for supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in our work.
At the symposium, participants heard about the work happening at the state and local levels to protect youth and families at risk. We discussed the effect of state policies that affirm access to gender-affirming care, provide critical mental health support, and create safe housing for LGBTQIA+ youth. Most importantly, we heard the call from members of the LGBTQIA+ community for support and action that prioritizes their safety and well-being.
Families thrive when children are accepted for who they are and supported by their families and caregivers and young people do best when they are supported and surrounded with care. If we are serious about preventing abuse and discrimination, then we must invest in the essential supports that all children and families need: safe housing, affirming health care, access to quality education, economic security, and strong violence prevention and anti-discrimination efforts.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island have long been leaders in advancing equality and inclusivity for LGBTQIA+ individuals and both of our organizations uphold these values and commitment. We must not let our progress be undone.
Rachel Gwaltney is executive director of the Children’s League of Massachusetts and Tanja Kubas-Meyer is the executive director of the Rhode Island Coalition for Children and Families.
