A recent study from the Trevor Project and the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) reveals a clear connection between LGBTQ+ policies in various states and the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth residing there.
The most striking finding was the number of LGBTQ+ youth who chose to leave states with what they deemed a negative political climate. The study indicated that around 266,000 LGBTQ+ individuals aged 13 to 24 relocated to more inclusive areas of the country.
The authors of the report utilized data from the Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, alongside MAP’s policy tally scores for all 50 states, to reach their conclusions.
According to the study, 20% of LGBTQ+ youth lived in states with a low overall LGBTQ+ policy index, 7% in states with fair policies, 8% in medium-rated states, and 38% in states with a high LGBTQ+ policy index. The decision to consider leaving a state varied significantly based on the local policy environment.
This trend was especially notable among transgender and nonbinary youth in states with negative policy indexes, with nearly 68% having considered moving and about 18% having actually left their state to seek healthcare.
Steven Hobaica, a research scientist at the Trevor Project, expressed concern, stating, “It’s heartbreaking to see that nearly half of transgender and nonbinary youth have considered moving due to anti-LGBTQ+ policies.”
On a more positive note, the report highlighted that LGBTQ+ youth living in states with higher LGBTQ+ policy indexes reported that recent political developments were less likely to adversely affect their well-being. This underscores the significant impact that state-level policies have on the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people.
Logan Casey, director of policy research at MAP, noted, “While at least 18 states enacted new anti-LGBTQ policies in 2024, we also found that at least 13 states introduced new pro-LGBTQ laws or policies last year. It’s essential to not only highlight the harmful effects of these divisive political actions but also to emphasize that this research supports the notion that more inclusive policy environments yield better outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth.”
Hobaica added, “The data send a strong message to lawmakers nationwide: implementing LGBTQ+ inclusive policies correlates with improved well-being among LGBTQ+ youth, likely because these young people feel safer and happier in their communities. We urge all legislators to enact laws that provide every young person the opportunity to lead the happy, healthy, and safe lives they deserve.”
