Promoting positive childhood experiences for the LGBTQ2IA+Community
The HOPE framework, which identifies the key types of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) we group as the Four Building Blocks of HOPE, supports all children, youth, and families including those identifying as LGBTQ2IA+ (LGBTQ+). The Four Building Blocks of HOPE allows everyone to feel safe, secure, and have a sense of mattering. These key PCEs include:
- Safe and secure relationships
- Safe and stable environments
- Opportunities for engagement
- Opportunities for emotional growth
We must learn how to support the LGBTQ+ community so that every child and youth – not just those who identify as LGBTQ+ – can thrive with PCEs.
Professionals and organizations can start increasing PCEs for the LGBTQ+ community by reviewing their policies, practices, and programming to identify barriers preventing one or more of the Four Building Blocks of HOPE and updating them to ensure a more inclusive, PCE-abundant environment. This includes understanding what the LGBTQ+ community often faces and fears every day, such as feeling the need to hide their identities, and how an even simple interaction such as an updated intake form with an opportunity to express their pronouns can allow them to feel accepted for who they are.
When we shift the conversation to accept, include, and engage with the LGBTQ+ community, we provide a HOPEful place for everyone.
HOPE Resources
The HOPE National Resource Center created the following resources that guide professionals and organizations to promote PCEs and the Four Building Blocks of HOPE for LGBTQ+, transgender, and non-binary children, youth, and families. We also partnered with the Massachusetts Center on Child Trauma and Wellbeing to create three online courses teaching sector-specific practices on supporting LGBTQ2IA+ youth. Through learning the specific ways we can increase PCEs for those in the LGBTQ+ community, we can remove barriers and create safer spaces for children and youth to thrive into healthy adults.
Promoting PCEs for Children and Youth who are Transgender and Non-binary
All children and youth need PCEs to thrive as adults. Those who identify as transgender (or trans) and nonbinary, too, need the same PCEs. This resource provides 10 ways to promote PCEs for trans and non-binary children and youth.
Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences in LGBTQ+ Families
Families and communities can support and celebrate their LGBTQ+ identities by creating PCEs through each of the Four Building Block of HOPE. This resource promotes the different ways for LGBTQ+ families, children, and youth to access the Building Blocks.
Center on Child Trauma and Wellbeing Online Courses
These toolkit was developed in partnership with an advisory group of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two Spirit, Intersex, Asexual, and Other Identities (LGBTQ2IA+) youth from across the Country. For each course, once you complete the assessment, you will be guided through the development of an individualized plan to help you create an environment that promotes the health and well-being of LGBTQ2IA+ youth.
Community-based orgs
This toolkit is designed for those who work at community-based organizations to use for professional development. Review the information about LGBTQ2IA+ youth, and then follow the steps to assess your organization’s current practices and identify steps you can take to be more inclusive and demonstrate more supportiveness of LGBTQ21I+ youth. Once you complete the assessment, you will be guided through the development of an individualized plan to help you create an environment that promotes the health and well-being of the LGBTQ2IA+ youth your organization serves.
Educators
This toolkit is designed for educators to use for professional development. Review the information about LGBTQ2IA+ youth, and then follow the steps to to assess your school’s current practices and identify steps you can take to be more inclusive and demonstrate more supportiveness of LGBTQ21I+ youth.
Healthcare providers
This toolkit is designed for healthcare providers to use for professional development. Review the information about LGBTQ2IA+ youth, and then follow the steps to assess your organization’s current practices and identify steps you can take to be more inclusive and demonstrate more supportiveness of LGBTQ21I+ youth.
