The Issue
Nearly 70% of LGBTQIA+ youth in New York report experiencing mental health challenges. Yet the systems designed to support them often fall short. Current school counseling standards lack required LGBTQIA+ training, leaving many professionals unprepared to meet the needs of queer and trans youth. 

The consequences are devastating: LGBTQIA+ teens are nearly 4X more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Trans and nonbinary youth are reporting worsened mental health in response to hostile legislation. 

New York must do better.

The Facts
📉  LGBTQIA+ youth face disproportionate risks for suicide and mental health struggles

📚  Many social work students report feeling underprepared to support queer and trans clients

🏫  NY’s school counseling guidelines currently do not mandate LGBTQIA+ specific training

📊  States and countries with affirming school systems see better outcomes for LGBTQIA+ youth

💬  Visibility and affirming care are protective, not just symbolic 

Our Demands
We are calling on New York State education and licensing boards to:

• Mandate recurring LGBTQIA+ cultural competency and affirming care training as part of licensure and renewal requirements for all school counselors and licensed social workers.
• Develop and integrate a specialized LGBTQIA+ care concentration in accredited social work programs, and advocate for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+-affirming competencies in licensing exams.
• Explicitly integrate LGBTQIA+-affirming care standards into the NASW Code of Ethics and establish mechanisms for accountability in upholding anti-oppressive practice.

These reforms are life-saving. We can’t wait for change to happen. 

Why It Matters
No youth, or person in general, should ever feel invisible, misunderstood, or unsafe in their school. It’s time we stop treating affirming care like an elective and start making it a standard. When professionals are trained, equipped, and held accountable, our systems can finally begin to reflect the values of inclusion and dignity that LGBTQIA+ young people deserve.

Sign now to demand affirming mental health care in every NY school!