Experiences of LGBTQ+ Youth | Equality Florida

The need for a statewide Safe and Healthy Schools Program cannot be overstated, and what is at stake for so many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning youth is nothing short of life or death. We have national, statewide, and local data that speaks to the experiences of our LGBTQ+, who continue to face extensive risk factors for:

Bullying & physical/sexual assault
Homelessness (accounting for as much as 40% of all homeless youth)
Human trafficking and sexual exploitation
Substance abuse & HIV transmission
Suicide & homicide

In 2019, 18.2% of Florida High School aged youth self-identified as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or unsure of their sexual orientation. As well, 1.5% of Florida High School aged youth self-identified as transgender.

Click the resources button to access all the data and current findings surrounding the experiences of our LGBTQ+ youth.