Pride month commemorates years of struggle for equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer community, and accomplishments of LGBTIQ+ individuals! For LGBTIQ+ youth, this is a fight for survival. LGBTIQ+ youth are more likely to experience family rejection, poverty, discrimination, bullying, violence, and exclusion from education based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and/or their sex characteristics. As a result, they are at a higher risk of homelessness and poor health outcomes compared to their peers. See Youth Mental Health manual

Trans youth are denied recognition of their gender identity and face high levels of hate speech, bullying and exclusion. Intersex children are often subjected to unnecessary medical interventions that cause lifelong pain and trauma. Lesbian, gay, bi and trans youth are subjected to unethical, harmful, and traumatic so-called “conversion therapy”. Further, young LGBTIQ+ people who also face discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, gender, disabilities, religion and migration status are disproportionately affected by exclusion, discrimination and violence.

In a number of countries, LGBTIQ+ youth face censorship when they seek information and when they speak about their issues, online or offline. In some contexts, discriminatory laws criminalise same-sex relations and trans people. Those who speak out and demand equality often face imprisonment, hate speech, violence, and threats. With great courage and resilience, LGBTIQ+ youth are leading change and standing up for a future that is safe, respectful, that empowers and celebrates the beautiful diversity of humankind. A world where each and every one of us is free to be who we are and love whom we choose.