Source
Summary
“The report presents extensive data and guidelines that can be used by parents, caregivers, school administrators, educators, counselors and other youth-serving professionals to better understand and support Black LGBTQ+ youth. Despite some of the solemn statistics presented throughout the report, Black LGBTQ+ youth are finding the confidence to own their space by opening up to loved ones about their sexuality—most notably with their friends—with 96.9% out to their LGBTQ+ friends and 91.8% were out to their non-LGBTQ+ friends. Additionally, over half of Black LGBTQ+ youth and Black Transgender/Gender-expansive youth are out to their teachers and other school staff, exemplifying the growth needed to ensure Black queer youth know they are valued. Key findings from the 2024 Black LGBTQ+ Youth Report include:
Racism, Homophobia and Transphobia
• 80.9% of Black LGBTQ+ youth and 83.5% of Black transgender/gender-expansive youth say they have experienced homophobia or transphobia in the Black community
• 74.8% of Black LGBTQ+ youth and 78.2% of Black transgender and gender-expansive youth have experienced racism in the LGBTQ+ community
Black LGBTQ+ Youth at Home
• 81.9% of Black LGBTQ+ youth are out to at least some of their immediate family, which includes parents and siblings.
• 58.6% of Black LGBTQ+ youth have experienced some form of rejection by their parents, while 56.5% of Black LGBTQ+ youth say they have felt supported by their parents
Religion, Faith and Spirituality
• 63.1% of those raised in a religion said their religion is unfriendly to LGBTQ+ people
• 54.5% said their religious beliefs triggered feelings of guilt and shame when they came out as an LGBTQ+ person
Mental Health
• 53.3% of Black LGBTQ+ youth screened positive for depression
• 46.5% of Black LGBTQ+ youth wanted therapy but could not receive it
Black LGBTQ+ Youth Futures
• 33.7% of Black LGBTQ+ youth want to attend an HBCU because they believe they will be more supported at an HBCU
• Only 54.4% of Black LGBTQ+ youth feel like they will be able to be their authentic self when applying for jobs in the future.”
Read Full Report →
View Youth Today's Report Library
