Video deals with GLBTQ youth in the state child welfare system

"We are…GLBTQ," a documentary produced by two state agencies about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth involved in child welfare, will be screened during the 2007 Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

The video has been entered in the juried locally produced short film category and will be screened on October 14.

"We Are…GLBTQ," co-produced by Washington state's Department of Social and Health Services Children's Administration and Department of Information Services, sheds light on the lives of GLBTQ youth who find themselves in the state child welfare system. It is being used by DSHS to train foster parents and kinship caregivers.

According to a national report by the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, these youth come into contact with Child Protective Services more frequently than their peers because they are often targeted for family violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identities. In addition, substitute caregivers are not always aware that children coming into their homes may need access to additional resources or supports because they self identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender or may have questions about these issues.

"We are…GLBTQ" discusses risk factors faced by these young people as well as commonly held myths about people who represent sexual minority groups. Ten very courageous GLBTQ youth discuss the abuse suffered at the hands of their caregivers, in some cases, as the result of their sexual orientation or gender identities. They go on to talk about how foster and adoptive parents and other supportive adults have stepped forward to give them the kind of loving and accepting homes and communities that have helped them to grow and flourish.

The 28 minute film has already garnered recognition including a 2006 Communicator Award of Distinction; an international award honoring excellence in communications. The film also received a Bronze Telly Award that honors outstanding local, regional, and cable TV programs.