The LEA organization offers workshops and support groups for children and adolescents.
Photo:
Courtesy Latino Equality Alliance / Courtesy Latino Equality Alliance
Andrew M., a 19-year-old transgender youth, committed suicide on September 4, in the transitional parenting system of LA County.
This week, and in response to the tragedy, the Los Angeles County Supervisors, Hilda Solís and Sheila Kuehl they presented a motion to develop more training and programs that reduce families' rejection of LGBTQ children and youth.
The supervisors too they asked for an investigation from the Office of Child Protection on Andrew's suicide.
It is estimated that almost 20% of foster youth in LA County identify themselves as LGBTQ, almost twice as many LGBTQ youth in the general population. Said young people face increased risks of being rejected by their families, committing suicide and using drugs.
"It is important to explore the connection between rejection and prejudice who experience too many LGBTQ youth and depression, ”said Monica Trasandes, spokeswoman for GLAAD. “We ask the relatives of young gays, lesbians, bisexuals or transgenders to offer support to their sons and daughters, grandchildren, sisters, nephews. And don't be ashamed to seek help with groups like PFLAG in Spanish that is for parents and families, ”Trasandes added.
“Tragically, LGBTQ children and youth suffer abuse, neglect and neglect before entering the foster care system, like other children and youth. In addition, many LGBTQ children and youth carry an additional layer of trauma that comes with rejection or contempt due to sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or gender expression, ”Solis said in a statement.
"With Andrew's death, treatment disparities will be corrected in recognition of the importance of these young people's lives for me, for their families and for this county in general."
The Board also approved to develop more training for foster families and child welfare workers, on the development and identity of LGBTQ minors.
“It is very important to make sure that our staff (from the Department of Children and Family Services) really understand the unique history and traumatic experiences of these young people so that they can work effectively and sensitively when they place LGBTQ youth in foster homes. support them and allow them to prosper and feel safe, ”said Kuehl. "Training is needed to find the right approaches," he added.
