The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC), the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) civil rights organization, released a report in partnership with the University of Connecticut featuring data collected from nearly 1,200 Black LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13-17) from across the country. The report presents extensive data and guidelines that can be used by parents, caregivers, school administrators, educators, counselors and other youth-serving professionals to better understand and support Black LGBTQ+ youth.
Despite some of the solemn statistics presented throughout the report, Black LGBTQ+ youth are finding the confidence to own their space by opening up to loved ones about their sexuality—most notably with their friends—with 96.9% out to their LGBTQ+ friends and 91.8% were out to their non-LGBTQ+ friends. Additionally, over half of Black LGBTQ+ youth and Black Transgender/Gender-expansive youth are out to their teachers and other school staff, exemplifying the growth needed to ensure Black queer youth know they are valued.
“This report highlights the nuance of what it means to be Black and queer in America,” said Charleigh Flohr, Associate Director of Public Education & Research at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. “There’s been a noticeable increase in Black openly LGBTQ+ youth, and more work is needed to ensure they are seen and affirmed. Our hope is this report will provide insight on how allies can provide a safe and affirming space for Black LGBTQ+ youth to live in their truth.”
Key findings from the 2024 Black LGBTQ+ Youth Report include:
Racism, Homophobia and Transphobia
- 80.9% of Black LGBTQ+ youth and 83.5% of Black transgender/gender-expansive youth say they have experienced homophobia or transphobia in the Black community
- 74.8% of Black LGBTQ+ youth and 78.2% of Black transgender and gender-expansive youth have experienced racism in the LGBTQ+ community
Religion, Faith and Spirituality
- 63.1% of those raised in a religion said their religion is unfriendly to LGBTQ+ people
- 54.5% said their religious beliefs triggered feelings of guilt and shame when they came out as an LGBTQ+ person
Mental Health
- 53.3% of Black LGBTQ+ youth screened positive for depression
- 46.5% of Black LGBTQ+ youth wanted therapy but could not receive it
Black LGBTQ+ Youth Futures
- 33.7% of Black LGBTQ+ youth want to attend an HBCU because they believe they will be more supported at an HBCU
- Only 54.4% of Black LGBTQ+ youth feel like they will be able to be their authentic self when applying for jobs in the future.
To read the full 2024 Black LGBTQ+ Youth Survey Report, click here.
