As members of the Children, Youth and Teens program, we’re proud to be part of the groundbreaking work that Futures Without Violence has done for decades to prevent violence, create healthy families and communities, and facilitate healing for many of us who’ve been deeply affected by violence. This month, as we celebrate Pride, we’re also proud that our work includes partnering with and supporting LGBTQIA+ communities.

In the Children’s Program, we work to stop violence affecting children and youth and build conditions and experiences for them to thrive. This includes helping professionals support LGBTQIA+ young people to feel safe, seen and loved, and to know that safety and love are possible for them in all kinds of relationships – with peers, community, romantic partners, and themselves.

This work is both an imperative and a personal commitment for both of us.

Our work is harder today than it should be due to the political backlash that makes celebrating Pride feel especially important this year. We’re more determined than ever to create conditions and experiences that help all young people feel affirmed, connected and empowered. 

With support from extraordinary partners, FUTURES has created resources to help professionals who work with young LGBTQIA+ people, including safety cards, posters, tips to make health settings inclusive, and more. You can also read our latest blog post that shares strategies for creating inclusive, welcoming environments for LGBTQIA+ youth. 

June – Pride Month – will end this weekend but our commitment to showing up for the young LGBTQIA+ people in our communities will continue. We hope yours will too.

Thank you so much for supporting our work!

In Solidarity,