An independent think tank, the Movement Advancement Project (MAP), released a report on the state of LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. and the impact of policy on their lives. In partnership with Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), Advocates for Youth, Equality Federation, GLSEN, PFLAG National, and The Trevor Project, the report examines the rise of legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ youth, vast disparities for LGBTQ+ youth based on location and recommendations on creating a more supportive environment.According to the report, LGBTQ+ youth are reaching a critical point, with sharp rises in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and vastly uneven protections.Scope of the reportAn estimated 2 million U.S. youth ages 13 to 17, about 1 in 10, identify as LGBTQ+. According to the report, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation focused on queer and transgender youth has more than tripled since 2020 and has become the most common type of anti-LGBTQ+ bills and proposed legislation. This includes laws impacting education, health care, parental rights and sports participation.The report also examines how legislation can be wildly different based on geography. For example, LGBTQ+ youth living in the South are facing considerably more restrictions than their counterparts in the Northeast and West.Image from MAP report. Key findingsWhile 92% of proposed anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is ultimately defeated, significant legislation passed affecting LGBTQ+ youth. Leading the way are sports bans, with 29 states restricting transgender youth participation in sports through either legislation or policy changes.15 states have passed Dont Say LGBTQ curriculum bans, while 15 have passed legislation that requires teachers and staff to out transgender students to their parents or guardians.Healthcare restrictions for trans and gender-nonconforming youth have risen sharply in recent years, with 27 states and one territory passing bans or restricting best-practice medical care for transgender youth.The report finds that even if an anti-LGBTQ+ bill or policy is defeated, harm is still caused by publicly debating LGBTQ+ peoples rights and can have negative effects on LGBTQ+ youth. A 2024 Trevor Project survey noted that 90% of LGBTQ+ youth reported recent politics had negatively impacted their wellbeing.Regional disparitiesGrowing up as an LGBTQ+ youth in Portland, Oregon, can feel very different than growing up in Augusta, Georgia, for example. The Southern region of the U.S., where around 38% of LGBTQ+ youth reside, is the most restrictive region, with nearly all states having at least one anti-LGBTQ+ youth ban, law or policy.The Midwest was the most divided region, with some states like Minnesota and Illinois, scoring high on MAPs Youth Policy Score, while Ohio, Indiana and Iowa scored negatively.In the Northeast and West, state legislatures have passed stronger protections like anti-bullying, school nondiscrimination policies and LGBTQ+- inclusive curriculum.ConsequencesMAPs report explores the consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ laws and policies, including increased poor mental health for LGBTQ+ youth, and finds a link between hostile policy environments and heightened risk.Restrictions in many states prevent schools from providing safe, inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ youth.Healthcare bans across the country have forced doctors and families into impossible positions, prompting those who can to seek safer havens in the country, with 39% of families with LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-24, exploring moving to a different state.RecommendationsThe Movement Advancement Project (MAP) notes that LGBTQ+ youth face a patchwork of protections and restrictions depending on where they live. The report highlights existing model policies that can guide lawmakers and advocates, including GLSENs anti-bullying and inclusive curriculum standards, HRCs model legislation banning conversion therapy, and the Trevor Projects suicide prevention policies. MAP recommends both advancing supportive measures where possible and working to block or repeal harmful laws to create policy environments where LGBTQ youth can thrive.To read the full report and see where your state falls in terms of LGBTQ+ policy, visit Movement Advancement Project.The post Report warns restrictive laws are putting LGBTQ+ youth health and safety at risk appeared first on News Is Out.