Educate + Activate for LGBTQ+ youth!

- 2 minute read -

Hi there Rainbow Cloud Chaser,

This week we are focusing our energy on how we can advocate for LGBTQ+ youth across the country and around the world who face discrimination. In many states, there are lawmakers who are instituting legislation that will directly impact LGBTQ+ youth.

We are highlighting statistics and brand new data from The Trevor Project's National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health from 2021 and giving you 5 tips on ways you can advocate for queer youth right now:

The Trevor Project provides annual data reporting on the varying aspects and challenges that queer youth face. This year’s displays impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health care disparities, discrimination, food insecurity, conversion therapy, and suicide — in addition to the benefits of LGBTQ-affirming spaces and respecting the pronouns of transgender and nonbinary youth.

Did you know that 42% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the last year, including more than half transgender and nonbinary youth?

And, 94% of LGBTQ+ youth reported that recent politics and attempts to debate their identity have negatively impacted their mental health.

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning) young people.

For our Rainbow Cloud Chaser community members who are above the age of 18, whether LGBTQ+ individual or an ally, we must avidly work to protect LGBTQ+ youth from discrimination and debate upon their identity. LGBTQ youth, teens, and young adults are the future. We must work daily to continue the fight in bringing full equality to all.

Connect with us to stay up to date on how you can advocate for LGBTQ+ young people. Learn more about what queer youth are experiencing by visiting The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2021 at the link in our bio.

There are many state legislatures across the United States that are actively dismantling protections for youth growing up today in America. These politicians should not be making it harder for queer youth. There are several laws that are being passed in states that will isolate and increase bullying toward LGBTQ+ youth.

[Source: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2021/]

5 things you can do for LGBTQ youth right now:

1) Join your local or state LGBTQ+ organization (donate funds if you can)

2) EMAIL, CALL, or WRITE ELECTED OFFICIALS

3) Create safe spaces for teachers, family members, friends who have LGBTQ+ youth in their lives and create even safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ young people in your life.

4) Sign petitions in states where anti-LGBTQ legislation is taking place

5) Support LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses working to create safe spaces for ALL people.

*check out Everywhere is Queer for LGBTQ+ businesses in your area via their Master Map*

Thank you for being a part of our Rainbow Cloud Chaser community.

With love from the Rainbow Cloud,

Cam

Cameron Stefanski (he/him/his) what is this? Founder and Creative Director