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Fueling Systemic Change for LGBTQ+ Youth
Equity Driven is a collective impact initiative focused on the creation of open and affirming systems of care where young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and or transgender feel safe, connected, affirmed, and supported for throughout their lives.
Equity Driven is built on the foundational belief that breaking the cycle of oppression for any group of marginalized people begins with dispelling stereotypes through education, breaking down barriers through collaboration, demonstrating respect through policy, and building trust through practice.
Equity Driven is committed to systemic change which will ensure that all young people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression can grow, thrive, and safely be their authentic selves.
The four primary areas of focus are family, school, juvenile justice, and child welfare. Within all of these systems, Equity Driven evaluates existing policies and practice guidelines, data collection processes and professional development resources, to determine what modifications and/or actions need to be taken to ensure that each system is open and affirming for LGBTQ+ youth.
A Note About Our Data Sources
Because of the nature of the data available, all numbers presented on Equity Driven are estimates based on data from national surveys, statewide surveys in Tennessee, or peer-reviewed research studies. The lack of Tennessee-specific data, especially data focused on sexual orientation and gender expression, means that all numbers should be understood only as estimates of prevalence in Tennessee.
plays a vital role in LGBTQ+ lives.
Family
Family rejection fuels feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Learn how families can have an impact on our youth.
School
Unsafe schools increase chronic absenteeism, lower GPAs, and higher drop-out rates. Learn how schools affect LGBTQ+ youth safety.
Juvenile Justice
Running away from home and skipping school lead to state custody. Learn where the juvenile justice system stands in supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
Foster Care
The absence of open and affirming foster homes increases the odds for future homelessness. Learn how to create open and affirming spaces for our LGBTQ+ youth.
Open & Affirming
A public declaration that LGBTQ people are welcome in this place
- United Church of Christ, 1985
Why it all matters
Creating open and affirming spaces provides LGBTQ+ youth the opportunity to authentically discover themselves and build community with their peers. Having community can be the catalyst a young person needs to believe in a brighter future and continue their journey, especially when times are hard.
What Can You Do?
If you want to be a part of creating equitable systems of care for LGBTQ+ youth, please join us.
Contact Us
We're located at 1704 Charlotte Avenue, Suite 200
Nashville, Tennessee 37203
Reach us at: 615-327-4455