Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse youth are facing a critical situation within the out-of-home care systems in the United States, including foster care, the juvenile legal system, and homeless services. A newly released report on International Youth Day underscores the alarming challenges these young individuals encounter, revealing a landscape marred by systemic neglect and harmful policies.
The report, titled “Safe Havens II,” is a call to action, urging policymakers to affirm and support transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse youth who are too often marginalized within these systems. It draws from the lived experiences of young advocates who have navigated these systems themselves, providing a crucial perspective on the legal and policy protections — or lack thereof — that impact their lives.
While some states have implemented laws and policies aimed at protecting these vulnerable youth, the report highlights a stark reality: many states are failing to provide the necessary safeguards. In 2024 alone, there has been a rise in state-level anti-LGBTQ+ laws, specifically targeting the trans and nonbinary community. These laws span various areas, including healthcare access, educational content, parental rights, and participation in sports, further complicating the already difficult experiences of these youth.
The findings reveal a disturbing trend: trans and nonbinary youth are overrepresented in child welfare, juvenile justice, and homeless systems, with outcomes significantly worse than those of their cisgender peers. These youth often face additional barriers, such as discrimination, lack of acceptance, and inadequate support services. The report calls for a comprehensive approach that includes preventive measures to keep youth out of these systems, as well as robust support for those already involved.
The contributors to the report emphasize the importance of involving youth in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. Their voices, often overlooked, are essential in shaping policies that genuinely address their needs. The report’s findings underscore the urgent need for change, advocating for policies rooted in empathy, understanding, and respect for the identities and experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse youth.
The report’s release is a timely reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly for young people who find themselves at the intersection of multiple systems of oppression. As the nation grapples with an increasingly hostile legal landscape, the need for protective, affirming policies has never been more critical.