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There is a huge need for foster and adoptive homes for LGBTQ+ youth in foster care. We interview Holly Harridan and Dr. Shelly Ronen. Holly is a Senior User Experience Researcher at Bloom Works and an applied Anthropologist with a background in queer and feminist studies.  Dr. Shelly Ronen is a Senior User Experience Researcher at Bloom Works. She has a Ph.D. in Sociology and specializes in gender and sexuality.

In this episode, we cover:

• Terminology. LGBTQ+, LGBTQIA2S+, queer. What does each of the letters mean, and what is correct?
• What is the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity? 
• What are some of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care?
• What does it mean to have an” affirming” home?
• Some foster and adoptive parents know in advance that the child that they are fostering or adopting identifies as LGBTQ+, but other times, it is something that they find out later. If they know in advance, what are some things they can do to prepare?
• Age-dependent- how to allow exploration without pigeonholing a child too soon?
• How should parents handle it if they suspect their child is queer, but their child or youth does not want to talk about it?
• Are the issues different depending on whether the youth or young adult is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender?
• How can parents encourage healthy romantic relationships?
• What if you’ve been raised to believe that homosexuality is a sin?
• How do you think agencies should balance a commitment to kinship caregivers against a commitment to the safety and affirmation of LGBTQ+ children and youth? 
• What is your response to people who say that since many foster parents are motivated by religious faith, requiring families to affirm LGBTQ+ children and youth would create a placement crisis?
• What resources can foster parents look to for guidance on being affirming of LGBTQ+ children and youth? 

Our goal is to provide a nurturing and supportive environment where LGBTQIA+ foster youth can grow, thrive, and develop a strong sense of self-worth and belonging.

For a list of resources from this episode, visit our post on Creating a Family.

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