At Youth MOVE National, Our mission is to enhance youth voice and choice across the nation. Right now, there are a handful of legislative measures that are being introduced that limit voice and choice of youth, especially in marginalized groups. For systems to be truly transformed, inclusion and shared decision-making are a necessity and must be prioritized.
Specific bills in places like Texas, Idaho, and Florida target LGBTQIA2S+ youth in a way that dehumanizes and takes away voice, power, and basic human rights. As a national organization that stands behind youth as a driving force to make systems and the world a better place, we want to share some spaces where youth can find resources to help youth and places for advocacy opportunities.
We lead with hope
As a MOVEment, we are hopeful that there are government structures in place that value mental health at the intersection of our individual identities. As we continue to advocate for change in mental health systems and communities, we urge our network, chapters, and youth across the nation to use their voice in whatever way they can to create system transformation.
The current White House (Biden-Harris Administration) has put forth the following in an effort to “strengthen system capacity, connect more Americans to care, and create a continuum of support –transforming our health and social services infrastructure to address mental health holistically and equitably.” (Whitehouse.gov). In addition, these plans look to:
- Invest in proven programs that bring providers into behavioral health
- Pilot new programs to train a diverse group of professionals
- Build a national certification program for peer specialists
- Promote the mental health well-being of frontline workers
- Launch the 988 crisis response line and community-based crisis response
- Expand the availability of evidence-based mental health services
- Invest in research on new practice models
(you can read more in-depth about these and more initiatives here)
…but what can I do?
Depending on what state you are in, you may feel as if there is little you can do to enact state changes in other places. While there are limitations, some things you can do to help support people in your life that may be directly or otherwise affected by harmful legislation:
- Educate yourself on bills that target individuals safety and health. Sometimes bills are worded in confusing ways, adding in clauses that hurt populations that may not seem obvious from the primary reason for introducing that bill. Knowing how to read a bill can make all the difference .
- Figure out who your state representation is. Even if that means getting in touch with your own state representation and sharing how legislation like this is harmful to you and your community.
- Reach out to LGBTQIA2S+ youth that you know and tell them you love them. Even if they do not live in a state like Texas or Florida, we are still one country, and leglislation that limits the rights of individuals in one place can still feel impactful to others.
- Stand in solidarity: even something as simple as putting your pronouns on zoom/e-mail signatures to let people know that you value other’s identities can be a show of solidarity.
- Sign a petition: A quick way to get your voice together with others is to sign a petition. For example, “Indiana legislators have proposed a trans athlete ban, HB 1041, that will single out trans kids for further exclusion by preventing them from participating in sports with their peers” (ACLU.com). Sign the petititon to tell Indiana atheletes they belong.
- There may be other opportunities with organizations in your local community to become a peer support to others, a volunteer, an advocate, or another role that can help change systems. If you are part of a Youth MOVE Chapter [Find a Chapter] or other youth organization, use time and space to learn about what is happening in local and state government that may be affecting youth.
We know that these laws & proposals are harmful to the greater community, and we will continue to fight for change and youth voice; all youth voice.
Organizations & Resources
Legislative Resources:
Legislative Tracker: Anti-Transgender Legislation – Freedom for All Americans is tracking each relevant bill in their 2022 Legislative Tracker, in partnership with the Equality Federation.
ACLU: Legislation Affecting LGBTQ Rights Across the Country 2021 – While more states every year work to pass laws to protect LGBTQ people, we continue to see state legislatures advancing bills that target transgender people, limit local protections, and allow the use of religion to discriminate. ACLU shares Legislations Affecting LGBTQ Rights Across the Country 2021.
Resources for Trans Folx Needing Support:
The Trevor Project – Here you can reach out to a counselor if you’re struggling, find answers and information, and get the tools you need to help someone else.
Trans Lifeline – Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. They’re run by and for trans people.
GLSEN – Free resources for students and teachers, including how to support Trans students/peers
Trans Fam Relocation Contact List – This is a resource / contact list. You can put your name, location, desired location (if any), the support you can offer, and the support you need. The idea specifically is to connect people who are looking to relocate from a red state to a state with better trans rights protections.
Live Twitter Thread – features smaller organizations that can be a resource, or you can help by donating.
Florida-Based Resources:
PRISM – PRISM aims to provide LGBTQ+ youth in South Florida and beyond with the education and support they need to live a happy, healthy life. It’s our goal to make sure everyone feels included in their community, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
CFGALLA Community Resources – CFGALLA’s Resource Center is intended to provide easy access to a number of sources for information that may be relevant to the LGBT community.
Florida School Counselor Association LGBTQ Resource Page – On the Florida School Counselor Association LGBTQ Resource Page, you can find resources in the form of attachments and links to help you or your students.
Zebra Coalition – Zebra Coalition® is a network of organizations which provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and all youth (LGBTQ+) ages 13 – 24. The Coalition assists young people facing homelessness, bullying, isolation from their families, and physical, sexual and drug abuse with individualized programs to guide them to recovery and stability.
Texas-Based Resources:
Out Youth – Out Youth serves Central Texas LGBTQIA+ (lesbian/gay/bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex, and asexual) youth and their allies with programs and services to ensure these promising young people develop into happy, healthy, successful adults.
Black Trans Advocacy Coalition – The National Black Trans Advocacy Coalition works with communities in the U.S. and across the globe to foster diversity, inclusion, and equality for all people and is led by the Black Transmen, Inc., Black Transwomen, Inc and Black Trans MX nonprofit organizations.
Trans Kids and Families of Texas – Trans Kids and Families of Texas is a 501(c)(3) created to support parents and their transgender children.
The Montrose Center – The Montrose Center empowers their community—primarily lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and their families—to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Idaho-Based Resources:
Youth MOVE Idaho – Youth MOVE Idaho (YMI) is a part of the Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health and is committed to supporting the Vision, Mission and Purpose of IFFCMH through direct family support and services. YMI, a chapter of Youth MOVE National, serves youth through programs that focus on peer support and advocacy.
SAIGE Idaho – The Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities Idaho. The mission of SAIGE Idaho is to improve the counseling services and quality of life for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals through education and advocacy.
Transgender Map: Idaho Transgender Resources – On this website, there are transgender resources in Idaho for the community.
Kristine Kirsch Counseling & Consulting, LLC: Resources for Gender Non-conforming Clients and Family (Trans*) – List of transgender resources in Idaho put together by Kristine Kirsch Counseling & Consulting.
