All articles tagged with #lgbtq youth
The Trump administration ended the specialized LGBTQ+ services on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which had been crucial for young LGBTQ+ individuals facing mental health challenges, citing funding issues. Despite the removal of the dedicated 'Press 3' option, general crisis support remains available through 988, and organizations like The Trevor Project continue to provide targeted support for LGBTQ+ youth.
The Trump administration has ended the specialized LGBTQ+ services on the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which was designed to provide tailored crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth, sparking criticism from advocacy groups who argue it puts vulnerable young people at risk. Despite the removal of the 'press 3' option, all callers will still have access to general crisis counseling, and other subnetworks for veterans and Spanish speakers remain operational.
The Trump administration is ending specialized suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has been shown to effectively support high-risk groups, raising concerns among advocates about the impact on vulnerable youth.
President Biden issued a statement expressing heartbreak over the death of transgender teen Nex Benedict, emphasizing the need to end discrimination and address the suicide crisis affecting nonbinary and transgender children. Nex's death was ruled a suicide, drawing attention to the bullying and discrimination faced by LGBTQ youth. The Department of Education has opened a federal investigation into Owasso Public Schools for allegedly failing to address previous complaints of discrimination. LGBTQ youth in crisis can seek support from organizations such as the Trevor Project and the Rainbow Youth Project.
The death of transgender student Nex Benedict has been ruled a suicide by a medical examiner, sparking outrage and calls for action from LGBTQ activists. Nex, who faced bullying at school due to his gender identity, died a day after a fight at Owasso High School. LGBTQ advocates and the medical community have long warned that queer youths face disproportionate rates of mental health issues, with a survey finding that more than 40% of LGBTQ people age 13-24 seriously considered attempting suicide in the previous year. The Department of Education has opened an investigation into whether Nex’s high school failed to appropriately respond to sex-based harassment, following a complaint filed by the Human Rights Campaign.
Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary high school student, tragically died after being brutally beaten at Owasso High School in Oklahoma. The school failed to report the incident to authorities, and Nex's death highlights the alarming rates of bullying and violence faced by LGBTQ+ youth, particularly trans and gender-expansive individuals. Extremist anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and discriminatory legislation have contributed to a hostile environment for these students, leading to devastating consequences. Misgendering and disrespectful treatment of trans and gender-expansive individuals by the media and law enforcement further exacerbate anti-trans stigma. Advocates are calling for better protection, support, and respect for the trans and gender-expansive community, as well as the rejection of harmful anti-transgender legislation at all levels.
Ohio's legislature overrides the governor's veto to pass a bill banning gender-affirming care for trans youth, making it the 23rd state to restrict trans healthcare for minors. Families are considering leaving the state to access necessary care, as the new law prohibits prescribing puberty blockers or hormone therapy to trans patients under 18. Trans kids and their parents share their experiences and fears, with many planning to relocate to protect their access to healthcare.
Ohio lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban LGBTQ+ youth from accessing gender-affirming care and participating in school sports. The bill prohibits gender-affirming procedures, hormone therapy, and mental health services for trans and nonbinary youth, with healthcare professionals facing potential license revocation and lawsuits for providing such care. Medicaid would also not cover gender-affirming procedures for minors. The bill, introduced by state Rep. Gary Click, has been criticized for relying on questionable research and testimonies. LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the bill would harm trans children and infringe on parental rights. The bill also includes provisions for separate single-sex teams in athletics and the opportunity for legal action against schools and organizations. Governor Mike DeWine's stance on the bill remains uncertain.
Singer Billie Eilish unintentionally came out as LGBTQ+ in a recent interview, expressing her attraction to girls and her identification as LGBTQ+. While she resents the idea of labels, Eilish acknowledges the importance of celebrities coming out to provide hope and representation for LGBTQ+ youth. The outing sparked a conversation about the difference between coming out and being outed, with supporters emphasizing the significance of visibility and representation, while others urged for sensitivity and understanding towards personal journeys.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed three bills supporting LGBTQ youth, including measures to provide cultural competency training for school staff, establish a task force for LGBTQ student needs, and keep gender and sex identifier change petitions confidential. This comes after Newsom controversially vetoed a bill that would have considered parents' affirmation of their child's gender identity in custody disputes, citing concerns about changing legal standards for the judiciary. State Senator Scott Wiener criticized the veto, calling it a "tragedy for trans kids."
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed several bills aimed at bolstering protections for LGBTQ people, including laws focused on support for LGBTQ youth, cultural competency training for teachers, and creating an advisory task force. Another law requires schools to have at least one gender-neutral bathroom by 2026. However, Newsom faced criticism for vetoing a bill that would have required judges to consider a parent's affirmation of their child's gender identity in custody decisions. The veto comes amid ongoing political battles over transgender rights across the country.
Pride celebrations are taking place amidst increasing pressure on the LGBTQ+ community, with states passing or proposing bills that limit the rights and visibility of trans people, drag performers, and LGBTQ+ youth. Corporations have also caved to criticism from conservative groups over their partnerships with members of the LGBTQ+ community. The Human Rights Campaign has declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the US. Despite this, attendees at WeHo Pride in Los Angeles spoke of the importance of standing up for each other, finding community, and being heard.
The Minnesota Senate has passed a bill that would ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth and certain adults. Mental health practitioners and professionals would be prohibited from engaging in conversion therapy with anyone under the age of 18 or any “vulnerable adult”. The bill now awaits a signature from Gov. Tim Walz, which would put Minnesota alongside the 20 other states, as well as the District of Columbia, that have passed laws banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors.
North Carolina Republicans, emboldened by their new veto-proof legislative majorities, have introduced several bills focusing on transgender issues, including banning gender dysphoric minors from receiving puberty blockers or sex-reassignment surgeries, making transgender athletes play on sports teams associated with their sex, and prohibiting males from competing in girls’ sports. These bills were previously vetoed by Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, but with state Rep. Tricia Cotham's switch from the Democratic Party to the GOP ranks, Republicans now have a veto-proof majority in the state House, complementing the GOP supermajority in the state Senate. Transgender rights advocates called the legislation a direct attack on the rights of LGBTQ youth.