Pride Is Protection: Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ Youth at Risk of Exploitation

June is Pride Month—a time to celebrate diversity, visibility, and the vibrant contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. But while the rainbow flags fly and parades march on, we must also hold space for a harder truth: many 2SLGBTQ+ youth are at heightened risk of exploitation, abuse, and violence.

They are disproportionately represented among youth experiencing homelessness, system involvement, and online grooming. They are more likely to face family rejection, isolation, and mental health struggles—all of which make them vulnerable to traffickers and others who prey on those in crisis.

If we are to live out the spirit of Pride, then we must go beyond celebration and step into protection. And that starts with us.

Equity Is Not Optional

Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ youth doesn’t mean providing “special treatment”—it means offering equitable treatment. It means ensuring that every young person, regardless of their identity, feels safe enough to be seen, heard, and supported without fear.

That requires creating systems and services that don’t just tolerate difference, but actively affirm it.

What’s Getting in the Way?

Often, the biggest barriers to support aren’t structural—they’re personal. We all carry biases. Some are conscious, others live in the language we use, the assumptions we make, or the support we don’t offer because something about a young person’s identity makes us uncomfortable.

Biases—whether rooted in religion, culture, upbringing, or fear—can silence kids who desperately need help. They can push youth out of systems designed to protect them. They can signal, sometimes without a word, “you don’t belong here.”

So How Do We Do Better?

1. Start with Self-AwarenessAsk yourself: What are my assumptions about gender and sexuality? How do those beliefs affect how I show up for youth?

2. Create Affirming SpacesUse inclusive language, display affirming visuals (like Pride flags or pronoun stickers), and ensure your policies recognize the specific needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth.

3. Believe YouthIf a young person shares something personal, believe them. Listen deeply. Trust is fragile—don’t make them earn it.

4. Build RepresentationHire and support staff who reflect the diversity of the youth you serve. Engage 2SLGBTQ+ voices in decision-making and program design.

5. Keep LearningAttend trainings on 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion. Learn about the links between gender identity, trauma, and exploitation. Commit to growth.

Pride is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that no young person should feel unsafe because of who they are or who they love. As allies, caregivers, professionals, and community members, we must meet this moment not just with words, but with action.

Every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe. Let’s make sure that includes every 2SLGBTQ+ youth—this Pride Month, and every month after.