Creating Safe Spaces for Every Child Through Values-Driven Action

As we celebrate Pride Month and reflect on the diverse journeys that make our community strong, we’re also confronted with sobering realities about the challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth and the misconceptions that can make their journeys even more difficult.

The Reality Behind the Statistics

Suicide rates among young people aged 10-24 have increased by 62% since 2007, making suicide the second leading cause of death in this age group (Curtin & Garnett, 2023). This crisis becomes even more acute when we examine the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth as they experience suicidal thoughts at more than twice the rate of their non-LGBTQ+ peers, with 41% reporting serious consideration of suicide compared to 20% of non-LGBTQ+ youth (U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People, 2023). Suicide attempts are also more than four times higher among LGBTQ+ youth (Johns et al., 2019, Johns et al., 2020).

Research shows that these elevated risks stem from minority stress: the chronic experience of discrimination, rejection, and harassment (Ream, 2024). When LGBTQ+ youth have accepting families and supportive communities, their mental health outcomes approach those of their peers, proving that the problem isn’t who they are—it’s the lack of support they receive.

Dispelling Harmful Misconceptions

Too often, LGBTQ+ youth face not only rejection but also harmful stereotypes that paint them as threats to community safety. Research thoroughly contradicts these misconceptions:

• LGBTQ+ students are targets of harassment, not perpetrators. GLSEN’s National School Climate Survey consistently indicates that LGBTQ+ youth experience bullying at much higher rates than their peers. Research also shows that LGBTQ+ youth in schools with supportive policies and programs report significantly lower rates of suicide attempts compared to those in less supportive environments.
• Families who support LGBTQ+ children develop stronger bonds, not weaker ones. The Family Acceptance Project‘s research shows that supportive families have improved communication and stronger relationships.

The increased visibility of LGBTQ+ youth reflects safer reporting environments and reduced stigma, not an increase in actual numbers. Longitudinal studies tracking identity development show remarkable stability with one concluding that the vast majority of transgender children maintain their gender identity over time: 2.5% identifying as cisgender and 3.5% as nonbinary at follow-up (Olsen et al., 2022).

How Yoga Philosophy Guides Us & The Power of Acceptance

The ancient principles found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, specifically of ahimsa (non-violence), teach us to create no harm through our words, actions, or silence. When young people are struggling with rejection and discrimination, our response matters. The yogic concept of seva (selfless service) reminds us that supporting others’ well-being strengthens our entire community.

Yoga teaches us that every being deserves respect and compassion. When we create spaces where children can be authentically themselves—whether they’re LGBTQ+ or not—we honor this fundamental truth.

These philosophical principles translate into real-world impact when put into practice. LGBTQ+ youth who experience high levels of family acceptance are much less likely to attempt suicide or experience depression than those who face family rejection (Family Acceptance Project).  

Specific supporting behaviors make measurable differences include:

• Using chosen names and pronouns
• Gay-Straight Alliances at schools
• Supporting LGBTQ+ events and organizations
• Connecting with other supportive families
• Having open conversations about identity and belonging
• Creating policies that protect all students from harassment

Taking Action When Systems Fall Short

Recent reports of reduced federal funding for LGBTQ+ organizations, including The Trevor Project—which provides crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth—remind us that institutional support is not always guaranteed.

Here’s how we can all support every child:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about LGBTQ+ experiences and the challenges all young people face.
• Create Safe Spaces: Whether in your home, workplace, or community, be intentional about inclusion.
• Support Organizations: Consider donating to organizations working to bridge funding gaps.
• Advocate Locally: Support school policies and community programs that protect all students from bullying and harassment.
• Practice Presence: Sometimes the most powerful support is simply listening without judgment.
• Use Inclusive Language: Small changes in how we speak can make children feel seen and valued.

Building Communities Where Every Child Thrives

When we create accepting environments, all children benefit. Families who practice acceptance report stronger relationships and better communication. Schools with inclusive policies see improvements in academic performance and safety for everyone. 

Supporting LGBTQ+ youth isn’t about special treatment—it’s about basic human dignity and the right of every child to feel safe and valued. When we address the specific challenges facing vulnerable youth, we create stronger, more compassionate communities for all.

At Yogamazia, we create spaces where every family feels seen and supported. Our G.R.A.C.E. values—Gratitude, Respect, Authenticity, Community, and Equity—guide everything we do, especially our commitment to ensuring every child feels valued regardless of their identity or family structure. Our classes emphasize self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and resilience—tools that benefit all children, especially those who may feel different or misunderstood. We teach that diversity makes us stronger and that inclusive communities benefit everyone—evidence-based practices that save lives.

Together, we can build communities where every child knows they belong, where differences are celebrated rather than feared, and where young people can focus on growing and learning, rather than simply surviving.

If you’re moved to support The Trevor Project’s continued crisis intervention work, you can join us in donating to them at https://give.thetrevorproject.org/campaign/699367/donate. Every contribution helps ensure that young people in crisis have someone to call.