Actively work to check in on your LGBTQ friends, family members or colleagues. Make time to connect with them virtually to remind them that you are an ally and consider promoting helpful resources on your social media pages. - AA

The best thing you can do to better support LGBTQ youth is listen, become more educated on issues and take action. Make sure you check in on your LGBTQ peers! This pandemic can be hard for some of us to maneuver through and checking up on people can really go a long way. - NC

There are wonderful programs like the @TrevorProject that LGBTQ people should know about. Our struggles as LGBTQ youth are unique and many don’t always have the knowledge, training or resources to provide adequate mental health support. - AA

Know that there is a family of loving friends and allies out there fighting for your rights and ready to love you unconditionally. If you're struggling, consider connecting with groups such as @TrevorProject or other online communities. - NC

The definitions of gender and sex vary widely depending on culture, region and time period. Self-expression is not linear and you don’t have to know exactly who you are right now. Play around with names, pronouns, clothing and hairstyles to find your authentic self. - AA

Love and acceptance is what the LGBTQ community is about and I love my fellow LGBTQ folks like family. Keep persisting even when you feel like the world is against you, practice resilience and ask for help when you need it! - NC

I’d recommend attending or finding information about your area’s nearest #Pride events or LGBTQ community center. There are likely local businesses that are allies, or larger organizations like @HRC and @PFLAG that have free resources and support services. - AA

Some great recommendations for LGBTQ youth outreach and support are @HRC, @TrevorProject, @glaad, @GLSEN and @PFLAG. - NC

To be an LGBTQ ally, you must LISTEN. Refrain from receiving information through a biased perspective, do your research on the issues that LGBTQ people face every day and learn about what actions you can take that would make a positive difference. - NC

The internet is a wonderful place. A quick Google search will generate hundreds of articles, blog posts and videos made by organizations and individuals to help educate and guide new allies. - AA

Transphobia, biphobia and homophobia can fill a person with self-doubt, low self-esteem and even hate, leading to mental health challenges such as self-harm and suicide ideation. Constantly having to explain or defend ourselves and our identities can be just as damaging. - AA

I believe some of the biggest challenges that LGBTQ+ youth face are disproportionate rates of depression and suicide risks as well as bias, stigma, rejection, discrimination and bullying that they often experience at home, in school and in the greater community. - NC

Our identities are inherently political, and whenever we’re open about our queerness, we’re bombarded with questions and assumptions. The lack of education and prevalence of prejudice and rejection makes it exhausting and mentally tedious to be openly LGBTQ+. - AA

BREAKING NEWS: In a landmark decision, #SCOTUS affirms that sexual orientation and gender identity are protected characteristics under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.