Happy PRIDE month! As a member of the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and others) community, I am proud to work at an organization that welcomes and appreciates the diversity of others.
PRIDE is a celebration of self-worth and dignity, as well as a triumphant proclamation of one’s identity. It is an important celebration for the LGBTQ+ community and it holds particular significance for LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system. LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in foster care, with studies reporting 30% identifying as LGBTQ+ compared to 11% of youth not in foster care. CASA volunteers can play an important role in providing supportive, affirming, and inclusive environments. LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers. Having at least one accepting adult can decrease the risk of suicide by 40% and makes the positive affirmation provided by celebrating PRIDE all the more important.
Here are a few more reasons why PRIDE month is significant for the youth that we serve at CASA:
Visibility and Representation: PRIDE month serves as a platform to increase visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals. This visibility helps to counter stereotypes, reduce stigmatization, and foster acceptance. Positive representation can help LGBTQ+ youth in foster care access information, resources, and support networks specific to their needs. When they see positive portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters in media, it can lead them to seek out relevant books, websites, organizations, and community groups that provide information, guidance, and a sense of belonging. LGBTQ+ youth in foster care are more likely to experience higher levels of depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation compared to their heterosexual and cisgender (a person whose gender identity corresponds with the sex registered for them at birth) peers. Seeing positive representation can provide them with hope and inspiration, boosting their emotional well-being. It lets them know that they are not alone and that there are successful, happy LGBTQ+ individuals who have faced similar challenges and found happiness and fulfillment.
Community Support: PRIDE month creates opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to come together, build community, and support one another. For LGBTQ+ youth in foster care, who may face unique challenges related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, finding supportive communities and networks is vital. This sense of community provides them with opportunities to connect with peers who share similar experiences, find mentorship, and participate in support groups or events. It creates a supportive network that understands and validates their experiences, reducing feelings of isolation and providing a sense of belonging. PRIDE month events, such as parades, rallies, and youth-oriented activities, can provide safe spaces for them to connect with others who share similar experiences. If you are working with a youth that identifies as LGBTQ+, I would encourage you to look into different things going on in our community and let your CASA youth know that you would be interested in attending with them.
Empowerment and Self-Acceptance: PRIDE month promotes self-acceptance and empowerment for LGBTQ+ individuals. It encourages them to embrace their identities and celebrate their uniqueness. For LGBTQ+ youth in foster care, who may have experienced rejection or mistreatment due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, PRIDE month can be a powerful affirmation of their worth and an opportunity to develop a positive sense of self.
Advocacy and Education: PRIDE month serves as a platform for advocacy and education on LGBTQ+ rights, issues, and history. It helps raise awareness about the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and promotes understanding and empathy. For LGBTQ+ youth in foster care, PRIDE month events and initiatives can provide valuable education, resources, and support networks, helping them navigate their identities and advocate for their rights. They may have specific health and safety concerns related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Access to safe educational resources and information ensures they can learn about LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare providers, sexual health, HIV prevention, and other relevant topics. This knowledge helps them make informed decisions about their well-being, reducing the risk of discrimination, mistreatment, and unsafe practices.
Systemic Change: PRIDE month also contributes to systemic change by promoting inclusive policies, legislation, and practices that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. This progress benefits LGBTQ+ youth in foster care, as it creates a more supportive and affirming environment within the child welfare system. I am incredibly proud to work alongside my colleague, Norma Mendoza, who serves as our Diversity Recruitment Coordinator. Norma is helping to ensure that our organization is not just talking the talk, but that we are actively walking the walk as it pertains to DEI efforts through our participation in the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) All Children - All Families (ACAF) training program.
In closing, PRIDE month is crucial for LGBTQ+ individuals, including youth in foster care, because it promotes visibility, community support, self-acceptance, advocacy, education, and systemic change. It offers a platform for celebration, empowerment, and the fostering of inclusive environments that can positively impact the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in the foster care system.
CASA will be hosting a table at this year’s Orange County Pride celebration happening on Saturday, June 24th in Santa Ana - if you are there, please stop by our table and say hello!
Matthew Wadlinger
Chief Strategy Officer