BOSTON – The Massachusetts Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth this week released its annual report advocating the implementation of initiatives aimed at supporting LGBTQ youth across Massachusetts. The annual policy recommendations are intended to provide the Commonwealth’s policymakers with a roadmap to better meet the needs of youth and young adults who identify as LGBTQ. The report was released at the annual swearing-in ceremony of commission members at the Massachusetts State House. Attorney General Maura Healey swore in 17 new members to the 50 member commission.
“The Commission on LGBTQ Youth serves a critically important role in ensuring we are all meeting our obligations and responsibilities to protect LGBTQ children and young adults across Massachusetts,” said Healey. “I look forward to working with this impressive group of individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to this important cause. My office is committed to making Massachusetts a more inclusive place for all residents, regardless of their gender identity or gender expression.”
“This annual event allows the commission and our partners to celebrate the work we have championed while at the same time recommitting ourselves to the work that remains unfinished,” said Julian Dormitzer, Chair of the Commission. “Although Massachusetts has laid a strong foundation in the fight for LGBTQ equity, state data and the voices of young people both indicate that we must focus on implementation and collaboration in order to make meaningful progress. Each LGBTQ young person in Massachusetts deserves to grow up in a community that celebrates and supports their development.”
The Commission’s recommendations address 19 state agencies, ranging from entities that are widely recognized as serving LGBTQ youth, such as the education and foster care systems, to agencies responsible for career services, transportation, and refugee programs. The report also identifies more than 60 agency-specific recommendations for making tangible changes for LGBTQ youth in every city and town in Massachusetts, with a focus on the unique needs of homeless youth, youth of color, transgender youth, and youth living in rural areas.
Data from the state’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance demonstrate that sexual minority youth remain significantly more likely than their heterosexual peers to have attempted suicide in the past year, skipped school due to feeling unsafe, or used heroin at least once in their life.
Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of explicit protections for transgender youth and adults in public spaces, also known as public accommodations. Current legislation, “An Act Relative to Gender Identity and Non Discrimination”, aims to enact such protections and allow Massachusetts to join the eighteen other states that have already done so. Public accommodations include any place that is open to the public and offers a good or service. These spaces are common areas of vital importance to most people’s daily lives, such as grocery stores, medical offices, public transportation, hotels, restaurants, public parks, areas of entertainment, and more.
To read the Commission’s report visit here.
