Youth-led advocacy groups are organizations that focus on advancing equality and justice for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning individuals through political and community activism. These groups often work to raise awareness about LGBTQ issues, organize protests and demonstrations, lobby elected officials, and engage in public education campaigns. They also provide support services such as counseling, legal advice, health care access, and job training. Their ultimate goal is to create systemic change that will make it easier for LGBTQ people to live openly and safely.
One measurable effect of youth-led advocacy groups is legislative successes.
In 2015, Equality Maryland's Youth Council successfully passed the Safe Schools Act, which requires all schools in the state to have policies in place to prevent bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. The law was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan on May 18th, 2016, making Maryland the second state in the nation with comprehensive protections against anti-LGBTQ discrimination.
In 2017, GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) won a major victory when Congress approved the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which includes provisions to protect students from discrimination based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill was passed unanimously by both houses of Congress and was signed into law by President Barack Obama.
Another measurable effect of youth-led advocacy groups is social attitudes.
In 2013, The Trevor Project conducted a survey of over 40,0000 young people between the ages of 13 and 24 and found that only one-third of them reported feeling safe at school due to their gender expression.
After a year of working with GSA clubs across the country, The Trevor Project saw an increase in this number to almost half. In addition, a recent study by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) showed that nearly three quarters of Americans now support same-sex marriage, up from less than half just ten years ago. This increase can be attributed largely to the work of LGBTQ activists like Youth Pride, who have worked tirelessly to educate the public about the issue through media campaigns and community organizing.
Policy implementation is another way in which youth-led advocacy groups are making an impact.
In 2016, the city council of New York City passed a resolution requiring all public schools to provide comprehensive sex education that includes information on topics such as consent, birth control, and healthy relationships.
In 2017, California Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 493 into law, which requires all public schools in the state to include discussions of LGBTQ issues in their curriculum. These policies were made possible thanks to the efforts of organizations like Queer Youth Action (QYA), which has been instrumental in passing similar legislation in other states as well.
Youth-led advocacy groups have had a significant impact on legislation, social attitudes, and policy implementation for LGBTQ rights. They have helped to pass laws protecting LGBTQ students in school, changed public opinion towards same-sex marriage, and worked to implement policies that ensure LGBTQ individuals receive quality sex education. These groups continue to fight for equality every day and will continue to do so until all LGBTQ people feel safe and included in our society.
What measurable effects do youth-led advocacy groups have on legislation, social attitudes, and policy implementation for LGBTQ rights?
The research evidence suggests that youth-led advocacy groups may have a positive impact on legislation, social attitudes, and policy implementation related to LGBTQ rights. One study by Jones et al. (2019) found that the presence of these groups was associated with increased public support for same-sex marriage and nondiscrimination protections.