The Biden Foundation is teaming with the YMCA for a new LGBTQ program. Through the work of the foundation, former Vice President Joe Biden continues the fight for equality.
The three-year initiative is an effort ‘to foster LGBTQ inclusion and equity at YMCA locations nationwide’, according to the press release.
It will begin with a group of Ys implementing strategies to help support LGBTQ youth and families.
The strategies may include staff training, program innovations, community collaboration, and more.
Do something about it
Biden, a longtime ally of LGBTQ rights, and Kevin Washington, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA, penned an article about the program for CNN.
In the piece, they explain despite victories like Obergefell, there is still a crisis to protect LGBTQ rights.
LGBTQ youth are more likely to commit suicide, make up a massive portion of homeless teens, and the FBI revealed hate crimes are on the rise.
‘Our shared belief is that communities — and our nation — cannot reach their full potential when a segment of the population is marginalized, and these harrowing statistics demonstrate we’re not yet where we want to be,’ they wrote.
However, they also believe, ‘we can do something about it’.
‘Research has shown — and we’ve witnessed through the work of our organizations — that communities thrive when everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their full potential, contribute their talents and connect with their neighbors to work for the greater good.’
People often say children are the future, and this must also include LGBTQ children.
‘Every American deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, but too many in the LGBTQ community are denied this basic human right today. This is unacceptable in a country founded on the belief that we all are created equal.’
Across the US, 2,7000 YMCAs welcome 13 million adults and 9 million children annually.
