August Newsletter

Written By Sarah Schad

Celebrating LGBTQ+ Youth | International Youth Day on Aug. 12th

Our friend Karina, who is a School Psychologist and Social Worker in rural Michigan, offers us an on-the-ground perspective of some of the experiences her students face on a daily basis and how we, as the village, can have a positive impact on the youth in our lives.

“As a School Psychologist and Social Worker, my role is to advocate for children, providing a ‘soft place to land’ within an educational system and society that presents a variety of challenges. Today's students contend with academic pressures, unconstructive criticism, the overwhelming influence of social media, and the complex journey of identity development. Beyond these universal struggles, many also contend with issues like poverty, discrimination, bullying, domestic violence, and abuse. Despite this, we expect them to sit quietly at their desks and complete assignments.

These realities contribute to a concerning prevalence of mental health challenges; approximately 20% of children have been diagnosed with a mental health condition (CDC, 2025), and a staggering 53% of LGBTQ+ high school students report struggling with their mental health (YRBS, 2023). But these aren't just statistics, they are a picture of the lives of children striving to find their place.

To empower children and nurture their mental well-being, we must provide safe and affirming environments at home, in schools, and within the community. In schools, this means prioritizing inclusion through gender-neutral restrooms, access to sports and clubs for all, inclusive curriculums, and professional development for staff on LGBTQ+ topics, cultural humility, and bystander intervention. Crucially, it also involves supportive adult mentors and leadership opportunities through student-led groups like Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs).

When children, particularly those from marginalized groups, feel safe, seen, and supported, their capacity for resilience, empathy, authenticity, and a sense of responsibility and purpose dramatically increases. Give children a space to lead, and they will rise to the occasion, often surprising us with their insight and strength."

LGBTQ+ Moment in History

ACT UP | AIDS Coalition to unleash power

August 19, 1986 – The Founding of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power (ACT UP):

On August 19, 1986, the LGBTQ+ activist group ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) was founded in New York City. ACT UP was formed in response to the growing AIDS epidemic, which disproportionately affected the LGBTQ+ community. The group became famous for its direct-action protests demanding action on HIV/AIDS research, medical treatment, and policies. ACT UP played a major role in bringing attention to the AIDS crisis and changing how the government and society responded to the epidemic.

LOVELOUD Book Club: Presented by Open Books

August Pick: Just Lizzie by Karen wilford

About Just Lizzie – What do you do when there's a question inside you that feels so big, you don't know how to put words to it? How do you even begin to ask it?

Fourteen-year-old Lizzie is experiencing a lot of change: Her family had to move after the incident with their neighbor, leaving behind not only her beloved apple tree but what feels like her childhood along with it. Lizzie's brother is too busy for her in his first semester of college, and her friends are more interested in dating than dolls. It’s hard not to feel left behind, especially as she tries to explain the fact that she still has zero interest in boys, girls, or the baffling behavior known as “flirting.”

But just as Lizzie’s world feels like it's closing in, a class lesson on asexual reproduction in plants piques her curiosity, leading her to look up whether people can be asexual too—and suddenly her world opens up. Lizzie finally finds an identity, a word for all her messy, unnamable feelings that feels like it fits, although she quickly realizes that a label isn’t enough if no one believes it’s real.

Partner Highlight: Open Books

Celebrating one of our incredible grantees and the incredible work that they do.

OPEN BOOKS brings LGBTQ+ affirming stories to school libraries, so every child can feel like they belong.

Currently, the organization is preparing to donate their set of 13 middle school books to 170 schools in September - that’s 2,210 books! It’s been a busy summer of receiving and processing books. They remain committed to their mission of bringing LGBTQ+ literature to public school libraries, now more than ever. If kids cannot necessarily access the books through school lessons, given the Supreme Court decision, it’s vital that libraries provide this access.

This past month, the organization has received requests from Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, and other states across the country.

If you want to support their cause directly, follow this link to make a donation.

Support Our Work | Grab Some Merch

Buy some merch, Support our work and be a part of give support to LGBTQ+ charities around the nation.

OUR MISSION: Ignite the vital conversation about what it means to unconditionally love, understand, support, accept, and celebrate our LGBTQ+ friends and family.

Sarah Schad