Celebrating Pride Month

Pride Month is a time for visibility and celebration—but what about the youth whose identities are the reason they lost their families or their homes? For LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care, “being yourself” can come at a cost. Many are placed into care due to family rejection related to their gender identity or sexual orientation.

Did you know…❔

• Up to 30% of youth in foster care identify as LGBTQ+, compared to about 11% of the general youth population.

• While in the system, 1 in 3 report being mistreated due to their identity, facing higher rates of abuse and placement instability.

• LGBTQ+ youth are 2x as likely to age out of foster care without a permanent home, and at greater risk of experiencing homelessness.

These aren’t just numbers. They reflect the lived experiences of young people who deserve affirming care, safe housing, and unwavering support.

This Pride Month, I invite you to go beyond celebration and advocate for trauma-informed, identity-affirming foster care placements. Let’s invest in services that see and support LGBTQ+ youth for exactly who they are, and most importantly let’s listen to them.