Boys & Girls Clubs are committed to ensuring equity and inclusion for all young people.

After more than 160 years serving youth, we know that a sense of belonging is everything, and that’s especially true for LGBTQ+ kids and teens. Clubs work to offer a safe, positive environment for youth, staff and families of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. In physically and emotionally safe places, young people can be themselves, ignite their interests and develop skills to be successful in school, the workforce and in life.

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Leonard A. on what the Club means to them.

“I can come here and really be who I am.  At home there’s always a filter but here there isn’t. People here are more accepting than where I typically am for most of my day. From my perspective it seems that it’s the only accepting place.”

- Casper, BGC Wisconsin

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe every kid has what it takes. The mission and core beliefs of Boys & Girls Clubs fuel our commitment to promoting safe, positive and inclusive environments for all. Boys & Girls Clubs of America supports all youth and teens – of every race, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, and religion – in reaching their full potential.

News & Stories

An Ally in an Unexpected Place

Angel was worried the Club would be another place to be bullied. It turned out to be his biggest ally.

Leading the Community Pride March

This Club shares how their commitment to inclusion because a cities-wide Pride March.

Growing Up Kate (She/Her/Hers)

Kate H. shares her experience as a trans female and how acceptance means everything.

Resources

Inclusive Practices to Empower LGBTQ Youth

Letting kids know that we see them, and we accept them for whoever they are.

Parenting LGBTQ Youth

Guidance for positive relationships between parents/caregivers and LGBTQ+ youth.

How to Help Teens with Gender Identity

Tips to help parents and teens navigate conversations about gender identity.

LGBTQ+ Inclusion Partners

Boys & Girls Clubs of America is proud to partner with the following organizations to provide resources to our Clubs, our members and their families.

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network

GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. 

Human Rights Campaign

Find a wealth of resources for supporting LGBTQ youth at home, in school and in the community.

The Safe Zone Project

The Safe Zone Project Is a Free Online Resource for Powerful, Effective LGBTQ Awareness and Ally Training Workshops.

The Trevor Project

The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

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