LGBTQ+

What are my rights as a LGBT Teen?

LGBTQ youth are protected against discrimination by state and federal laws. Your school has a responsibility to ensure that you are safe and supported and able to learn as your authentic self. This includes addressing bullying and discrimination by other students or staff and respecting your identity. You are also protected against discrimination in housing, healthcare, employment, and public accommodations.

If you are experiencing issues at home, in school, or at work, the Center for Children’s Advocacy LGBTQ Youth Advocacy Project may be able to help.

Attorney Mallory James Sanchez (they/she) is available to meet with Connecticut LGBTQ youth under age 24 who have questions about name and gender marker changes, their legal rights in school, or who need assistance accessing housing and medical care. Mallory is at the New Haven Pride Center in New Haven, Connecticut, and at the Yale Gender Program. For more information on drop in legal office hours at the Pride Center, or to contact Mallory, see this page under Youth Support Services.

Read more about your rights here. Read about your rights as a trans or gender nonconforming youth here.

For information about healthcare access for LGBTQ+ Youth visit the Center for Children’s Advocacy’s website.

Additional Web Resources

Anchor Health

Changing Your Name and Gender Marker on Identity Documents

Connecticut Children’s Gender Program

GLAD Legal Advocates and Defenders

Health Care Advocates International

Middlesex Health Center for Gender Medicine and Wellness

National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center

New Haven Pride Center

PFLAG