Every Child Deserves to Feel Safe and Seen
When a child enters foster care, their world is already filled with uncertainty. For LGBTQ+ kids, that uncertainty can be even more profound. They may wonder: Will this family accept me? Will I be safe here? Should I hide who I am?
As foster parents, your role is powerful. You donโt have to have all the answers, and you donโt have to be an expert in LGBTQ+ issues. What matters most is your willingness to love, listen, and learn.
Itโs okay to feel unsure or even uncomfortable at first. Maybe you werenโt raised around LGBTQ+ people, or perhaps it feels unfamiliar or overwhelming. Thatโs normalโand youโre not alone. Many foster parents have walked the same path of uncertainty and grown into safe, loving allies simply by being open.
Start small. Use the childโs name and pronouns. Let them know they donโt have to hide. Ask what makes them feel supported and then show up in those small but significant ways. These acts of kindness and respect send a powerful message: You matter here.
We know that kids who are LGBTQ+ are at greater risk of rejection, mental health struggles, and homelessness. But when theyโre supportedโwhen they are affirmed by the adults in their livesโthey thrive1. The data is clear: just one2 accepting adult can make all the difference.
If youโve never cared for a child who identifies as LGBTQ+, you may wonder how your beliefs fit into this. Know this: affirming a child doesnโt mean compromising your valuesโit means embracing theirs. Itโs choosing compassion over fear. Itโs letting a child be who they are while you walk alongside them with love.
You donโt have to do this perfectly. You just have to try. And the good news is, you donโt have to do it alone. Support, resources, and community are out there to walk this journey with you.
Because every child deserves a home where they are safe, valued, and free to be themselves.
For resources and training in Utah, go to utahfostercare.org/lgbtq
Other Resources:
Sources:
- Newcomb ME, LaSala MC, Bouris A, Mustanski B, Prado G, Schrager SM, Huebner DM. The Influence of Families on LGBTQ Youth Health: A Call to Action for Innovation in Research and Intervention Development. LGBT Health. 2019 May-Jun;6(4):139-145. doi: 10.1089/lgbt.2018.0157. Epub 2019 Mar 7. PMID: 30844341; PMCID: PMC6551980.
- Price MN, Green AE. Association of Gender Identity Acceptance with Fewer Suicide Attempts Among Transgender and Nonbinary Youth. Transgend Health. 2023 Feb 8;8(1):56-63. doi: 10.1089/trgh.2021.0079. PMID: 36895315; PMCID: PMC9991447.
