News Update

Biden order expands protections for LGBTQ youth and families

President Joe Biden signed a wide-ranging executive order on Wednesday that expands health and counseling services, legal protections and other opportunities for LGBTQ young people and their families.

The order, issued during Pride Month and at a time when some states are passing laws targeting LGBTQ people, directs various branches of the federal government to:

  • Direct states to expand access to health care for LGBTQ adults and youth.
  • Study the impact of anti-LGBTQ laws on students and create policies that promote the full inclusion of students who are LGBTQ.
  • Clarify that federally funded programs cannot pay for “conversion therapy,” expand support for those who’ve survived conversion therapy and train health care providers on its harms.
  • Work with states to expand access to gender-affirming care and mental health services for LGBTQ young people.
  • Expand data collection about LGBTQ young people and their families.

LGBTQ advocacy groups applauded the order.

“This historic executive order will advance long-sought, LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices that will help save young LGBTQ lives,” said Amit Paley, president of The Trevor Project, which advocates for LGBTQ youth. “Despite recent and relentless political attacks, we are hopeful that this will move us forward toward a day where all LGBTQ young people can be themselves without fear of discrimination or violence.”