The Increasing Vulnerability Of LGBTQ+ Youth

As we mark this final day of Pride Month, ECPAT-USA recognizes that, despite important advances in LGBTQ+ rights, challenges to those gains are on the horizon. Traditional stereotypes about gender and identity reinforce the victimization of LGBTQ+ youth and increase the risks of exploitation and trafficking. Pride Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work toward equal protection and the preservation of human and civil rights. To that end, we are constantly reminded that there is much work to be done.

Youth who identify as LGBTQ+ face substantial challenges and are more susceptible to sexual violence and stigmatization – which leads to exploitation and trafficking. According to a study from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, LGBTQ+ people are nearly four times more likely than non-LGBTQ+ people to experience violent victimization, including rape, sexual assault, and aggravated or simple assault. LGBTQ+ youth are also 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their non-identifying peers. These adverse childhood experiences are widely recognized as significant factors for child sex trafficking and exploitation.

This year, state legislators across the country have proposed a record 238 bills that continue the perpetuation of harm against LGBTQ+ youth, and advocates have warned that LGBTQ+ rights will become more limited in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. The message being sent to LGBTQ+ youth via state and federal initiatives creates a harmful narrative and increases existing vulnerabilities for traffickers to exploit.

Additionally, data on the instances of trafficking and exploitation of LGBTQ+ children still continue to be underreported or lacking, which is due in part to the fact that the primary source of criminal victimization data in the U.S. does not measure respondents’ sexual orientation or gender identity. It is imperative that effective systems are in place to monitor and identify this population, in an effort to adequately inform resources and support. ECPAT-USA encourages the federal government to prioritize creating information-sharing systems and mechanisms to capture data that is representative of LGBTQ+ youth.

ECPAT-USA is committed to advocating for and advancing policies that uplift, strengthen and support LGBTQ+ youth. State legislatures must improve protection and access to critical services that support trafficking survivors. ECPAT-USA calls on the Biden-Harris Administration to address the harmful attempts made by state governments that ultimately marginalize and create unsafe conditions for all young people within the LGBTQ+ community.