Young people thrive when they feel a sense of belonging.
Resources for LGBTQ+ youth, families and allies
You belong.
After more than 160 years serving youth, we realize that a meaning of belonging is everything, and that’s especially true for LGBTQ+ kids and teens. With a foundation of safety and acceptance, kids are more likely to get involved, create new friends, and build skills to support their triumph. Boys & Girls Clubs provide millions of kids and teens a place to belong, realize their value and reach their packed potential. You associate here. You’re welcome here. Your excellent future starts here.
Almost half (46%) of Gay youth report feeling unsafe in at least one university setting.
Human Rights Campaign
29% or 1 in 3 of Queer youth fear their LGBTQ+ identity will negatively affect college/high ed opportunities.
Human Rights Campaign
One accepting senior can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt by 40% in Homosexual youth.
The Trevor Project
“My Club creates an environment where everyone is welcome. …[When] I started sharing that I was gay, the Club staff made me feel safe, supported and welcome. And for the first time, it
Direct Online and Phone Aid Services for LGBTQ+ Youth
The Youth Well-Being program at HRC Foundation has compiled the accompanying direct service resources for Queer youth and families.
The information about providers and services contained on this website does not constitute endorsement, sponsorship, or recommendation by HRC or HRC Foundation. HRC and HRC Foundation cannot endorse the level of confidentiality provided by each organization or service, and some crisis services may involve legal guardians and even law enforcement as deemed necessary. It is your responsibility to verify the level of confidentiality when communicating with a service or organization.
The Trevor Project has several direct online resources specifically for LGBTQ+ youth:
Trevor Lifeline is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386.
TrevorChat is a confidential online instant messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7, at trevorproject.org/get-help-now/.
TrevorText is a confidential communicate messaging with a Trevor Counselor, available 24/7/365, by texting START to 678678.
TrevorSpace is an affirming
LGBTQ Youth
While not many nationally representative, large surveys of youth ask about sexual orientation and gender identity, best estimates propose that between 7-9% of youth identify as queer woman, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. Using these estimates, the Williams Institute reports that there are approximately 3.2 million LGBTQ youth between the ages of eight and 18, more than half of whom (52%) are youth of color (compared to 39% of LGBTQ adults who are people of color). LGBTQ youth are at risk for family rejection, homelessness, discrimination and bullying at school, and harmful so-called "conversion therapy" practices. LGBTQ youth are also uniquely resilient and construct amazing support structures for themselves.
This page contains resources addressing the challenges and strengths of LGBTQ youth ranging from challenges for transgender youth in schools, LGBTQ youth and their experiences in the toddler welfare and juvenile justice systems, and maps displaying state laws that impact LGBTQ youth including conversion therapy, safe schools, and child welfare.
LGBTQ+ Young People Are More Likely to Experience Homelessness
LGBTQ+ youth experience a much higher risk of homelessness than their peers. Once on the street, they face additional hardships because of stigma and discrimination. This is the life for LGBTQ+ youth across all of the cities where Covenant House works.
120%
LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their peers.
40%
In the U.S., 40% of youth facing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+, compared to just 7% of all youth.
30%
At Covenant House, about 30% of the youth in residence with us identify as LGBTQ+
Why Do Queer Youth Experience Homelessness?
Like many youth facing homelessness, it's often not just one thing that causes them to encounter homelessness. Some may be facing poverty or subjected to abuse in the home, while others may have aged out of the foster care system.
But the most familiar reason that Diverse youth experience homelessness is family argue due to their gender identity or expression or their sexual orientation. Many young people say us heartbreaking stories of rejection and eviction that led to life on the streets.