Foster Care Fails LGBTQ+ Youth: A Call for Systemic Change

LGBTQ+ Youth in Foster Care: A Critical Shortage of Affirming Homes and Policies June 5, 2025 A recent video by TikTok user @bunchesofbeggs has highlighted the urgent need for greater support for LGBTQ+ youth within the foster care system. The video, filmed while the author was jogging, presents compelling statistics and personal anecdotes. The author, a foster parent who identifies as a Gen Z leader and Army veteran, emphasizes that LGBTQ+ youth make up approximately 30% of children in foster care, a figure disproportionate to their representation in the general youth population. She points out that many foster homes refuse to accept LGBTQ+ teenagers. "Many homes will just flat out refuse to accept any queer youth for religious reasons," she states in the video. She also highlights that queer youth in foster care are three times more likely to report suicide attempts compared to heterosexual youth in the same situation. The video concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to advocate for policy changes, contact their representatives, and support organizations that provide aid and resources to LGBTQ+ youth in foster care. This underscores a critical need for increased awareness and systemic changes to ensure these vulnerable young people receive the support and affirmation they deserve.