DEI & Leadership Blog

Safe to Be: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care through Inclusive Leadership & Community Partnership

A Pride Month conversation on identity, safety, and the power of affirming care

Each June, we celebrate Pride Month—a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community, recognize the progress made toward equity and inclusion, and reflect on the work that still lies ahead. At Together for Youth, Pride Month is also a reminder of our responsibility to protect and affirm some of the most vulnerable young people in our care: LGBTQ+ youth.

People walk in a parade holding rainbow umbrellas and signs that read "Diversity Strengthens Families." A rainbow flag is draped over one person, and crowds line the street, watching the procession.
People walk in a parade on a tree-lined street, holding a banner. Two individuals in the foreground wear rainbow umbrellas on their heads. Spectators line the sidewalks, and the weather appears sunny.
A table covered with a purple cloth reading "together for youth" displays rainbow fans and heart-shaped pins at an outdoor event, with other tables and people visible in the background on a sunny day.
A group of people march in a parade holding a banner that reads "Diversity Strengthens Families" with rainbow flags. The event promotes foster parenting and LGBTQ+ support, and takes place in a city street with bystanders and historic buildings.

Research shows that LGBTQ+ youth are overrepresented in the foster care system. Once in care, many youth across the nation face continued discrimination, isolation, and a lack of understanding from caregivers or professionals. The result is a cycle of instability, poor outcomes, and deeply painful experiences during some of the most formative years of life.

We believe every young person deserves a safe and affirming home—and that starts with inclusive leadership and community partnerships.

The Risk of Rejection, the Power of Belonging

Whether spoken or unspoken, the message a young person receives about their identity can be life-defining. For LGBTQ+ youth in care, the stakes are incredibly high. When homes and programs are affirming, youth experience lower rates of depression, self-harm, and substance use, and higher rates of stability and academic success. When they’re not, those risks rise dramatically.

A person with short purple hair, trimmed beard, and blue eyes is smiling slightly. They are wearing a maroon zip-up sweater and are facing the camera, with a light, blurred background.

“When LGBTQ+ youth are in environments that don’t affirm who they are, it’s not just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. We see higher rates of depression, suicidal ideation, placement disruptions, and harassment. These youth are often in survival mode, constantly scanning for safety instead of healing. Belonging isn’t a luxury — it’s protective. When a young person feels seen and affirmed, everything shifts. We see stronger mental health, more stability, and the ability to imagine a future. Belonging literally rewires the possibilities for what’s next” said Nathaniel Gray, Executive Director of the Capital Pride Center.

Systemic Change Starts with Inclusive Leadership

Affirming care doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through intentional, ongoing work. That’s why we’re reviewing everything from training materials to placement policies to ensure LGBTQ+ youth are supported from their first interaction with us.

This means:

  • Educating foster parents on gender and sexuality in age-appropriate, inclusive ways
  • Making space for youth to express their identities without fear
  • Partnering with Pride Centers across NYS to access resources and support for the individual needs of our LGBTQ+ youth
  • Collaborating with community partners to facilitate support groups for foster parents and the general public
  • Using inclusive language in our communications and documentation
  • Working with our DEIB Foster Parent Champions to continue our journey of recruiting diverse foster parents across the state
Two men and a young child sit on the grass outdoors, smiling and playing together in a park on a sunny day. The scene is joyful and shows a close, happy family moment.

“At Together for Youth, we know that LGBTQ+ youth in care deserve more than acceptance—they deserve to feel truly safe, seen, and supported,” said Gloria Moran, Director of Foster Care. “We are continuously strengthening our training for foster parents and staff to better understand the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ youth, created more affirming spaces within our programs, and made it clear through policy and practice that every young person has the right to be exactly who they are. Our work is ongoing, but our commitment is unwavering.”

Partnership Is Powerful

We are grateful for our partnership with the Pride Center of the Capital Region, whose team provides valuable expertise and resources. They help us connect youth with affirming adults, provide guidance to staff and caregivers, and ensure that we are listening—really listening—to the voices of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Youth in care often feel like the system is their whole world, so it’s critical that they see queer and trans adults thriving outside of it. It shows them: you’re not alone, and you’re not defined by your trauma. Affirming community spaces create a bridge to joy, culture, and possibility. They say, ‘You belong here, too.’ And when nonprofits collaborate—across care systems, schools, housing, health—we create a safety net where no young person falls through the cracks simply based on their diverse identity” said Nathaniel Gray.

Pride in Practice

At Together for Youth, we believe in walking the talk. Pride Month isn’t just about rainbows and visibility—it’s about action. It’s about choosing to lead with empathy, challenge bias, and create systems where all youth—no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity—know that they are safe to be exactly who they are. And this Pride Month, we recommit to that promise.