LGBTQ

Rights and Resources for LGBTQ Youth and their Parents, Families, and Allies

LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning) foster care youth face serious risks and challenges. Just like other young people, they need acceptance, understanding, support, and resources. It is also important for foster parents, families, and allies to have the resources needed to support LGBTQ youth in foster care.

The information below provides local and national support and resources for LGBTQ youth and those who care about them. LGBTQ Resources in Maine

Local Support:

Out! as I Want to Be offers LGBTQ weekly drop-in meetings on Wednesdays and Fridays in Rockland.
Outright L/A located in Lewiston offers a weekly drop-in space for LGBTQ youth under the age of twenty-two.
MaineTransNet offers trans, ally, and questioning youth a voice in Portland and Bangor.
Youth Guardian Services is a youth resource and offers support services to LGBTQ youth on the Internet.

Resources:

Maryville University Online: College guide; The guide explains some basic terminology used by the LGBTQ community and provides tips for choosing a college that has adequate LGBTQ support. It also covers college application information and lists scholarships that are available to LGBTQ students.
Access Lambda Legal’s “Know Your Rights” or read their “Getting Down to the Basics” guide that gives supportive information to LGBTQ youth in care.
Advocates for Youth Advocates for Youth works alongside thousands of young people here in the U.S. and around the globe as they fight for sexual health, rights, and justice.
Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) – Nationally, GLSEN works to ensure safe schools for ALL students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Also, visit the Southern Maine chapter webpage or the Downeast chapter webpage for more information.
Supporting Your LGBTQ Youth: A Guide for Foster Parents – In May of 2013, the Child Welfare Information Gateway published this factsheet. This factsheet discusses the unique risks and challenges LGBTQ youth face and how foster parents can reduce those risks and create a welcoming home.
Parents, Families, and Friends, of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) – Offers support, education, and advocacy resources for parents, families, friends, and straight allies.
Trans Youth Equality Foundation – Portland, Maine based foundation that provides education, advocacy, and support groups for transgender youth, their families, and allies.
Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care – This article focuses on the difficulties LGBTQ youth face while in the foster care system and how adult allies, CASA volunteers, in particular, can advocate for youth and support them during their time in care. (CASA’s The Connection, 2009)

Hotlines:

GLBT National Help Center: 1-888-843-4564 (Hotline)
1-800-246-7743 (Youth talk-line)
GLBT online peer support

Trevor Helpline Crisis Intervention for LGBT Youth: 1-866-488-7386

In the Life: Foster Care’s Invisible Youth (film)

Published by In the Life Media, this film shares the stories of LGBTQ foster care youth

Trans Youth Equality Foundation Podcast

Visit the Transwave Pod Cast to hear and learn from interviews with trans youth, providers, families, allies, and activists.