Addressing the Needs of LGBT Youth: A Commitment to Protection and Support

Strategic Insights -

The Federal LGBT Youth Summit, convened by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on June 6, 2011, aimed to bring together youth, leaders from non-profits, advocates, and the federal government to address the issues facing LGBT youth in the country. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius emphasized the department's commitment to ensuring that LGBT Americans have the chance to reach their full potential. However, she acknowledged that the needs of LGBT people, particularly young people, are often not met, and that bullying and discrimination are prevalent issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • Secretary Sebelius highlighted the story of Caleb Laieski, a young man who was bullied in school and subsequently dropped out of high school, but later became an advocate for LGBT youth and worked to change school district policies to include protections for LGBT students.
  • The Federal Interagency Task Force on Bullying was formed to create ways to decrease bullying and establish programs to aid victims. The task force is comprised of representatives from the Departments of Education, Agriculture, Defense, Interior, and Justice.
  • The HHS website StopBullying.gov was launched as a one-stop shop for kids, teens, parents, and educators to learn about preventing or stopping bullying.
  • A study by the Department of Health and Human Services found heightened levels of "unhealthy risk behaviors" such as tobacco use, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior among LGBT youth.
  • The Affordable Care Act prohibits insurers from denying coverage to children with conditions like asthma or diabetes and extends that protection to everyone in 2014.
  • The report on recommendations to improve the lives of LGBT Americans, completed in March 2011, included suggestions to improve the ability of doctors and nurses to relate to LGBT patients, enhance the ability of local agencies to support LGBT populations, and make sure that domestic violence and anti-bullying resources are accessible to LGBT communities.
  • The L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center is creating a model to protect and care for LGBT youth in the foster care system, with the hope of spreading the model nationally.

Statistics:

  • 150 top state, local, civic, and corporate leaders and youth attended the National Bullying Summit in 2010.
  • 32 million Americans will gain health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, which begins in 2014.
  • A study by the Department of Health and Human Services found that LGBT youth engage in "unhealthy risk behaviors" such as tobacco use, substance abuse, and suicidal behavior at higher rates than their non-LGBT peers.

Sources:

  • Secretary Sebelius at the Federal LGBT Youth Summit, June 6, 2011
  • Department of Health and Human Services, "Report on Recommendations to Improve the Lives of LGBT Americans," March 2011
  • Affordable Care Act, 2010
  • StopBullying.gov, launched in March 2011
  • L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center, model for protecting and caring for LGBT youth in the foster care system.