YouthCare stands in strong opposition to anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation currently being considered throughout the United States, including horrific anti-trans legislation in Texas and the hateful “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida. These bills, along with over 300 others that have been introduced in the past year, are part of a systemic attack on our queer and trans community.

According to a study from Chapin Hall, LGBTQ+ young people are more than twice as likely to experience homelessness than non-LGBTQ+ peers, with youth who are LGBTQ+ and Black or multiracial experiencing the highest rate of homelessness, at 16 percent. We see this over-representation in our own clients: In 2021, over 30 percent of YouthCare’s clients identified as LGBTQ+. At YouthCare we know and have experienced how queer and trans youth are disproportionately likely to experience homelessness due to ongoing, intentional, and structural discrimination that has been present since the founding of this country. 

YouthCare stands firmly with our queer and trans clients and staff, who are beloved, intrinsic, and valued members of our community. We oppose any measures restricting their safety and limiting their freedom to thrive. In the face of these attacks, we stand stronger than ever in our commitment to advocate for liberatory policies and to support all young people on their path to stable, healthy lives.