Best Practices for Serving LGBTQIA+ Unaccompanied Youth

Unaccompanied youth migrate to this country for various reasons. For some, one reason is to escape the stigmatization/discrimination/abuse based solely on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The LGBTQIA+ population is stigmatized in many countries around the world, including Latin America, where tradition-based beliefs can support an anti-scientific view of gender identity and sexual orientation. These views frequently promote discrimination against anyone who is gender diverse or who is not heterosexual.

LGBTQIA+ immigrant youth, including unaccompanied youth are vulnerable to discrimination and marginalization that undermines their identities and prevents them from expressing themselves as they are. These challenges exist pre-migration. Although conditions in the U.S. may be better for some, these children continue to face many barriers and challenges post-migration.

This webinar is for all who seek to support the overall well-being of LGBTQIA+ unaccompanied youth. This webinar will provide an overview to some of the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ unaccompanied youth, relevant resources, and best practices in serving this population within a culturally responsive framework.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand foundational information related to serving LGBTQIA+ unaccompanied youth
• Understand key terminology and concepts
• Understand the barriers and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ unaccompanied youth pre-migration and post-migration
• Understand the steps service providers can take to support, protect and advocate for LGBTQIA+ unaccompanied youth

*Please note: This webinar will be focus on LGBTQIA+ unaccompanied youth from Central America. However, much of what will be discuss here is suitable for most LGBTQIA+ unaccompanied youth regardless of their country of origin.