Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids Introduces Legislation To Protect LGBTQ+ Youngsters From Abuse

A progressive bit of legislation has been played down in local media because of the bitter debate that it sparks.

Special thanks to members of OUR KICK-ASS TKC BLOG COMMUNITY who believe that knowing about pending legislation is more important than sparing people's feelings . . .

The “Pride in Mental Health Act” would amend existing child abuse law to include explicit protections for LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their families, according to a copy of the bill obtained by Changing America.

Specifically, the measure would provide recommendations for federal, state and local agencies to improve data collection related to the mental and behavioral health of LGBTQ+ youth and better identify youth who may be at risk of experiencing – or already experiencing – child abuse or neglect because of the their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

“Mental health is a growing concern for families and communities across the country, and frankly, we are failing many of our most vulnerable children on this issue,” Davids said Wednesday. Davids in 2018 became the first openly LGBTQ+ person and the first Native American woman elected to Congress from Kansas.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Representative introduces legislation addressing LGBTQ+ mental health crisis

Rep. Sharice Davids (D), co-chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, is prepared to introduce legislation Wednesday broadening mental health support for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. The "Pride in Mental Health Act" would amend existing child abuse law to include explicit protections for LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit youth and their families, according to a copy of the bill obtained by Changing America.

Developing . . .