AIR is committed to helping youth-serving systems–such as child welfare, juvenile justice, education, and behavioral health—provide better services for LGBT children, youth, and families.

This practice brief, Providing Services and Supports for Youth Who Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex or Two-Spirit (LGBTQI2-S), describes key strategies, policies, and practices for professionals and systems to provide more culturally and linguistically competent care for LGBTQI2-S youth.

The brief’s strategies are organized around the following six areas:

• Creating a welcoming environment 
• Protecting youth
• Strengthening staff and supports 
• Working with youth who are transgender
• Enhancing practice and service delivery
• Engaging communities

The brief was created in partnership with the National Center for Cultural Competence and the National Technical Assistance Center for Children’s Mental Health at the Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development. It was sponsored by the Council on Coordination and Collaboration within the Child, Adolescent, and Family Branch, Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Health and Human Services.

National LGBT Pride Month

June 2012 is National LGBT Pride Month. In honor of the event, this year the White House is leading the Champions of Change Video Challenge to highlight the work of LGBT advocates around the country.