Our Focus Areas
Youth & Education
LGBTQ+ Missouri youth face discrimination, harassment, and bullying in their daily lives, whether at school, online, or in their home. LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. We must do everything we can to support and protect our most vulnerable population.
These challenges and barriers are the reason a portion of PROMO’s work is dedicated to issues LGBTQ+ youth face in our state. We are committed to creating an environment where youth can thrive and succeed exactly as their authentic selves, both as children and into adulthood.
Our legislative strategy advocates for a child’s right to a comprehensive education, to a safe and healthy environment at home and school, and to access the same opportunities for enrichment and growth as every other child. PROMO also consistently works with elected officials to push the Youth Mental Health Preservation Act so the entire state has protections against dangerous and harmful conversion practices.
FAQs
Are transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming students able to use restrooms that align with their gender identity at school in Missouri?
Currently, there is no state or federal law that prevents TGNC+ students from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Some school systems, however, have implemented policies that force these students to use single-use restrooms or bathrooms that match their gender assigned at birth. You’ll need to check with your individual school on its policy.
Contact PROMO if you have concerns your school district is enforcing an anti-trans bathroom ban.
Are there any restrictions on curriculum or conversations around gender identity and sexual orientation in schools in Missouri?
If my child already started gender-affirming health care, can they continue?
What options are there for my child to receive gender-affirming health care?
Children’s Hospital in St. Louis still does consultations and education and the Planned Parenthood network across Missouri still sees patients 16 and up for those who already started gender-affirming care. Some localized providers may still give trans health care to patients who already started gender-affirming care prior to Senate Bill 49’s implementation.
With Senate Bill 49 in place, it has become harder to find care for youth who have not started treatment yet; however, there are options. PROMO has partnered with the Campaign for Southern Equality to give Missouri families access to resources. Those resources include patient navigation and emergency grants to get care outside of the state of Missouri. You can learn more about those options here.
