At Scarleteen, we celebrate LGBTQIA+ identity, culture, and joy, and love seeing young people bloom into themselves. But we also know it can be hard. Identity is a complicated, sometimes very emotional journey with missteps, big ups, and unfun downs. Many LGBTQIA+ young people also face issues like hostile family members, anti-trans governments, isolation, queerphobic social attitudes, and other factors that make it even harder and scarier, especially if they are multiply-marginalized.
As a queer- and trans-led organization, we share lived experience, and we’re bringing our whole selves to these conversations.
Rather than just saying “it gets better!” or “you’re valid!” and leaving it at that, we have concrete resources for people facing hard times and tough decisions, like needing to delay aspects of transition to stay safe; being kicked out of their homes; struggling to advocate with doctors; and feeling emotionally overwhelmed and confused. Sometimes these conversations are difficult. We wish we could always provide an upbeat answer and the perfect resolution, but unfortunately that’s not how the world works, and we don’t believe in lying to people or patronizing them. Instead, we want you to have the tools and resources you need to make informed decisions and advocate for yourself.
Need a little more help? Visit our direct services, whether you want one-on-one support from staff and volunteers or would like some moderated peer support on our message boards. We’re here for you every day of the year.
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There are two kinds of growing up: the one where you outgrow your childhood home, and the one where you learn to build a new one.
The SCOTUS decision in n U.S. v. Skrmetti was bad and soul-crushing, but it doesn’t mean that you or trans youth as a whole won’t have a future. We always have, we always will, and we don’t need the government to have one, either, because we have each other.
I offer this letter against the current moment, in hope of providing some words that help, or at least make you feel less alone.
Nigeria is not a safe place to be queer in. But the immediate, real threat to my desire for the authenticity I felt was waiting for me on the other side of coming out was my family.
If you’re having difficulties, know that there are people out there who are ready and willing to help you.
LGBTQ+ people experience homelessness at higher rates not because there is something wrong with us or with being LGBTQ+, but because of homophobia, transphobia and other kinds of bias and bigotry.
If you find yourself experiencing homelessness or housing instability, it can feel isolating, like you’re facing hard things alone without support: without family. But you can create your own family.
Even if you can’t live authentically in all aspects of your life, it’s still possible to prioritize gender-affirming self-care wherever you can.
There are a lot of factors to keep in mind when it comes to taking care of yourself in the face of family rejection. Here are some of the main considerations to keep in mind.
I love my mom, I hate the way she talks about queer people like me, and I feel guilty for not saying something about it.
It can be difficult when it feels like your identity is being ignored and overlooked.
Finding your sense of self can be hard. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
This piece is part of Rebel Well: a Starter Survival Guide to a Trumped America for Teens and Emerging Adults . The current social and political climate for those who are LGBTQA+, especially youth, can feel really scary. We know from the previous Trump administration, as well as the Trump campaign…