Young people who identify as LGBTQ+ unfortunately face an inordinate number of obstacles compared to their peers. According to studies, more than 40 percent of LGBTQ+ youth do not feel accepted in their communities, and close to 60 percent feel unsafe in their schools.
The resulting trauma can increase the odds of suicide by three times. Fortunately, having access to safe, affirming environment can reduce this risk.
Among the people who know firsthand the importance of a welcoming environment is Angel Silva. Currently a program director at Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) of West San Gabriel Valley & Eastside, Silva came to the club when he was 6 years old.
At the time, Silva was being bullied in school. When his mother, who was working long hours, brought him to the club when Silva was on summer vacation, he initially resisted, believing it would be yet another place where he would be picked on.
The opposite actually came true. Rather than being bullied, Silva made friends on his first day. Unlike at school, he felt accepted and was allowed to be himself. When he was 12, he came out as gay at the club. The positive reception he received gave him the strength to subsequently come out to his parents.
Silva ended up spending much of his youth at the club, leaving only when he turned 18. Now in his 20s, he supports today’s youth, including those who are LGBTQ+, in his role as program director.
In fact, it was Silva who in 2021 played a leading role in organizing the inaugural San Gabriel Valley Pride March. Now an annual event, the march drew nearly 500 youth participants in 2022. Going forward, Silva looks forward to being able to continue to provide a welcoming community for young people of all identities, just like his club once did for him.