At the Margins: The Sex Trafficking of LGBTQ+ Youth

LGBTQ+ youth are victimized by sex trafficking at a rate that is likely disproportionately greater than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Yet, they face a lack of culturally competent services that are safe for them. Let’s change that! Drawing on our common values of promoting the health, safety, and well-being of all youth, this workshop addresses how we—youth-serving professionals—can better support LGBTQ+ victims of sex trafficking. Through a series of activities and brief presentations, the workshop will cover terminology and concepts related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression and an overview of available research on risk factors and experiences unique to LGBTQ+ youth. Participants will also have an opportunity to begin to develop a strategic plan to better support LGBTQ+ victims. Professionals who have questions, concerns, or are apprehensive about this topic are encouraged to attend; this is a safe space to dialogue with your peers.