Celebrating and supporting those with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) is an essential element of child welfare practice. Young people who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit, or other gender or sexual identity) are overrepresented in the system. There are also many foster and adoptive caregivers who identify as LGBTQIA2S+. Pride Month in June is a great time for child welfare professionals to commit to supporting and affirming diverse SOGIE among youth and families and to continue putting culturally responsive practices into action all year long.  

 As child welfare professionals, it is our job to prepare caregivers to support LGBTQIA2S+ youth. An essential piece of this work is emphasizing to caregivers the importance of demonstrating their commitment to diversity through the communities and friendships they include in their lives. Creating a safe and loving home means actions, not just words. In a recent blog post, “Help Resource Caregivers Support LGBTQ Youth: Insights From a Young Person With Lived Experience,” AdoptUSKids recommends the following actions for professionals:  

• Increase your own knowledge. Actively seek to educate yourself on the challenges facing the LGBTQIA2S+ community and stay up to date on best practices for supporting them. Organizations that can help you include the National SOGIE Center and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.  

• Check your biases. Intentionally examine your ingrained and often unconscious bias to avoid causing harm.  

• Learn about resources for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and families in your community. Stay informed about referral agencies, mental health professionals, support groups, and helplines.  

• Connect caregivers with learning opportunities. Early and ongoing education can help caregivers understand a young person’s identity, express their acceptance, and encourage open communication.  

• Promote strong relationships between caregivers and youth. Strong connections can serve as a protective factor for youth well-being.  

• Challenge myths and biases. Checking your own biases is just the beginning. Help educate families and colleagues about harmful myths they may perpetuate.  

• Have tough conversations. Be prepared to have difficult conversations with potential caregivers who are opposed to supporting and affirming LGBTQIA2S+ youth.  

In seeking affirming placements for youth with diverse SOGIE, we must also work to effectively recruit, engage, and support prospective adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQIA2S+. This includes getting to know the LGBTQIA2S+ community and its history, using appropriate and inclusive language and terminology, understanding the challenges faced by LGBTQIA2S+ prospective families, and helping these families navigate the system and access culturally responsive services.  

By recognizing and honoring diverse SOGIE, adoption agencies and communities can foster more inclusive and understanding environments for youth and families.