Shining a Colorful Light: Being Queer in the Foster Care System

Former President Barack Obama once claimed, “All young people, regardless of what they look like, which religion they follow, who they love, or the gender they identify with, deserve the chance to dream and grow in a loving, permanent home.” It is this statement that resonates with many among the public; however, it holds specific significance due to it highlighting the role of gender identity and sexuality when it comes to foster care. More often than not, when advocating against discrimination and the violation of human rights, the LGBTQIA+ community, including youth who are questioning their identity, is overlooked.

Inherently, LGBTQIA+ youth who have been placed in the foster care system, categorizing them into two minority groups, are further obscured in the discussion for reform and societal progression, even when it comes to foster care reform and betterment. This is evident by the fact LGBTQIA+ youth are overrepresented in the system, with a 2019 study revealing “30.4 percent foster care youth identify as LGBTQ+ and five percent as transgender, compared to 11.2 percent and 1.17 percent of youth not in foster care.” Meanwhile, another study conducted by the Williams Institute in Los Angeles discovered, “13.6% LGBTQIA+-identified youth in foster care compared to 7.2% in the general youth population, and 5.6% transgender youth in foster care compared to 2.25% in the general youth population.” Despite the differences in results, a matter most likely due to the different foster care systems, both still emphasize the staggering ratios of LGBTQIA+ youth in the foster care system compared to their counterparts, making them a vulnerable population in need of specialized support. Moreover, they further highlight the role that gender identity and sexuality have played in the fostering and adoption of youth, unfortunately leaving many children disadvantaged and without a proper family.

Although youth who are queer find themselves in the foster care system due to similar reasons as those who are non-queer, 44 percent of LGBTQIA+ youth in state custody have reported to have run away, been removed, or thrown out from their homes due to issues of neglect, rejection, and abuse directly tied to their identity and queerness. Once in the system, the struggle of being queer in a hostile environment is enduring as they are at increased risk of additional physical harm, including but not limited to further neglect, institutionalization, and physical abuse as well as sexual. The trauma of familial rejection simply because of the desire to finally disclose and not bury a determining factor of one’s identity undeniably marks a young person, leaving them in a disoriented state of trying to understand and come to terms with the emotional scarring and traumatic impact of such a violent form of abandonment and spurning.

However, this time of mental healing and the journey to acceptance and finding a healthy environment is unfortunately not, in most cases, granted to LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care. Generally, the environment of the system becomes increasingly hostile, especially in areas such as group homes and correctional centers, where discrimination and targeting are frequent possibilities and outcomes. Such discriminatory behaviors contribute to feelings of isolation, low self-esteem, and internalized stigma among these youths, impacting their sense of identity development.

Undeniably, foster care settings that do not provide competent care for LGBTQIA+ youth may further exacerbate their struggles, leading to an increased risk of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. As proven by a survey conducted in 2022 by CASA For Children, results show, “45% of respondents reported that they had seriously considered attempting suicide, 73% experienced symptoms of anxiety, and 58% experienced symptoms of depression.” To add on, neglect in the form of inadequate access to mental health services, safe spaces to express their identity, or support for gender-affirming care can further intensify the trauma experienced by these youths.

To address the enduring issue of overrepresentation and discrimination of LGBTQIA+ youth in the foster care system, and to support them for their wellbeing, several solutions can be implemented. First and foremost, there is a pressing need for an increase in training and education for foster care administration and providers to create affirming and inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ youth. This would include implementing policies and regulations that protect LGBTQIA+ youths' rights, providing access to LGBTQIA+-supporting mental health services, and ensuring appropriate placement with foster families who are supportive of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The latter could be done by conducting meticulous background checks and following digital footprints, thereby ensuring the foster parents did not display hatred and bigotry behavior toward the LGBTQIA+ community in the past.

Moreover, peer support groups, community outreach programs, and mentorship initiatives can aid LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care, allowing them to connect with individuals who understand their experiences in a sense where they can properly empathize and reflect along with them. This would give them the sense of belonging and acceptance that they had been generally lacking throughout their lives, both in their original homes and placement. Advocacy efforts to address enduring systemic issues, such as discriminatory conduct in child welfare systems and insufficient resources for LGBTQIA+ youth, are pivotal to inaugurating long-term change and improving results in the system for these vulnerable populations of youth.

All in all, the severe obstacles faced by LGBTQIA+ youth in the foster care system, including discrimination, neglect, abuse, and lack of empathy, accentuate the vital need for proactive measures to support and empower these youths. By undertaking and addressing the root causes of overrepresentation, in addition to advocating for policy reforms and fostering inclusive environments, we can work toward creating a more equitable and nurturing system that upholds the well-being and identity development of LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care.