My experiences have made me passionate about the intersection of faith and sexuality. I entered foster care at 15 and aged out upon completion of high school at 18. A pivotal moment in my time in child welfare was my first day in care. I was a closeted gay 15-year-old showing up to an extremely religious foster home during a time when Proposition 8, a California measure banning marriage equality, would soon be on the ballots. Knowing that I was queer from a young age, I knew immediately that was not a place in which I could choose to be my whole self. For years, it hindered my self-acceptance as I sat in church for over a decade hearing sermons about the “abominations” of my fellow queer people. I later came out in 2021 when I was 29. It has all been a catch-22 for me because I do love the faith that I was introduced to when I entered foster care, but also wish there was a system in place that ensured a home would be suitable for children of all identities.
Representation and visibility play a crucial role in creating a sense of belonging, dignity, and agency for individuals with diverse identities within the child welfare system. When marginalized communities see themselves represented, it validates their experiences and identities, making them feel seen and heard. It helps break down stereotypes and biases one may have both within the public and with the youth themselves. By amplifying and uplifting diverse voices and experiences, we enable a system that truly values and supports every individual, regardless of their background or their identity.
The child welfare system has the opportunity to evolve and better accommodate the diverse needs of the population it serves in a variety of ways. As someone with lived experience, I would advise practitioners and organizations in the child welfare system to prioritize inclusivity and affirmation in their workload. Practitioners and policymakers should/could prioritize training on diversity and establishment of safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ youth, provide language support, and consider the unique needs of differently-abled and immigrant individuals to ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.
I think that sometimes it is easy to view people as projects instead of people. Start by actively listening to and learning from individuals with diverse identities. Uplift and amplify the voices of those who have lived experience in the child welfare system. Become trauma-informed and attend trainings that highlight and celebrate those with differing identities. Empower those that you serve by involving them in decision-making processes as much as you can. As we live in a constantly changing society, it is important to evaluate and improve your practices to ensure that they are truly inclusive and affirming for all individuals.
I would advise anyone who is “different” and experiencing the child welfare system to be your biggest advocate for yourself and build up a support system/network of people around you. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for the help and resources that you feel you may need. It’s also important to surround yourself with a strong support system of friends, family, or mentors who can provide guidance and uplift you along the way. Regardless of our upbringing, we are deserving of love, care, and opportunities just like anyone else!
In addition to advocating for yourself and building a support system, it can be helpful to educate yourself about your rights and the resources available to you. Take the time to learn about the child welfare system that you are a part of and the services that are meant to support individuals who may be seen as “different.” Knowledge is power, and being informed can help you navigate the system more effectively.
