An Intersectional Feminist Perspective on LGBTQ Youth in Foster Care: Implications for Service Providers

Abstract

LGBTQ children are overrepresented in the foster care system in the United States. These children are also at higher
risk for homelessness and suicide. While there are some legal protections for this population, more research and
advocacy are needed to help these young people thrive despite their situations. An intersectional feminist perspective
on advocacy and queer theory could change the landscape of political activism and training for child welfare
professionals. In this article, three activist approaches to training are discussed as ways to revolutionize advocacy and
treatment of LGBTQ youth in child welfare. The authors propose 1) providing intersectional and feminist principles in
child welfare diversity training modules, 2) including the exploration of self-identity in these trainings, and 3)
developing a better understanding of how heteronormative bias and perceptions of deviance can be perpetuated.