BUILDING SAFE SPACES FOR LGBTQ YOUTH M Saida
BUILDING SAFE SPACES FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH M. Saida Agostini, MSW, HERE LGSW SUBTITLE GOES Director of LGBTQ Resources DATE GOES HERE
Who We Are Free. State Legal Project is a legal advocacy organization that seeks to improve the lives of low-income lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) Marylanders. www. freestatelegal. org Advocacy & Outreach Direct Legal Services = Name & gender marker changes = Discrimination due to LGBTQ status = Family law = Simple wills and power of attorney = Advocate for systemic policy and law changes = Engage the LGBTQ community and promote self advocacy (especially LGBTQ youth) Education & Training Provide training on the legal rights of LGBTQ youth for individuals working in: = Foster Care = Juvenile Justice = Education
Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover
Why Should I Care? LGBTQ kids raised in accepting home environments are more likely to see themselves as happy adults. * *Family Acceptance Project
Risk Long Factors Extra Slide Title Goes Here Risk Factors for LGBTQ+ Youth = 40. 9% of LGB Youth seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months(12. 8% H*) = 23. 9% of LGB Youth had been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to (8% H) = 17. 7% of LGB Youth reported not going to school in the past month due to fear of safety (6. 9% H) = 33. 6% of LGB Youth reported being bullied on school property in the past 12 months (17. 7% H) = 1 in 2 transgender youth will attempt suicide before the age of 20 = 40% of all homeless youth identity as LGBTQ+ *Heterosexual
What We Can Do = = = Train staff and youth on LGBTQ+ issues and best practices Develop LGBTQ+ policies Be an ally and advocate Know the resources in your community Talk to Free. State Legal Project Know the legal rights of LGBTQ+ youth
Thank You! M. Saida Agostini, MSW, LGSW sagostini@freestatelegal. org (410) 625 -LBGT(5428) www. freestatelegal. org www. facebook. com/The. Free. State. Legal. Project
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