I can’t say I’m surprised. But after President Obama’s National Foster Care Month proclamations in 2015 and 2016 specifically said that “regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status,” all qualified caregivers should have the opportunity to serve as foster or adoptive parents, President Trump’s omission of these categories feels narrow-minded and short-sighted.
Trump’s proclamation, like Obama’s, starts off with some general information about the positive impact of foster care on children and then says simply:
A tremendous demand exists for foster parents and families across the country. Together as a Nation, we must raise awareness about this need and inspire volunteers to step forward and invest in the lives of our Nation’s youth through our foster care system.
Obama, in contrast, said last year:
Last summer, the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guarantees marriage equality, giving more kids in foster care the opportunity to be part of a loving family. My Administration will continue fighting to ensure eligible and qualified caretakers have the chance to become an adoptive or foster parent — regardless of race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
He noted, too, the children’s side of the equation:
When we create environments for all young people to grow and flourish and safely live as who they are — regardless of race, background, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity — our country is stronger.
Trump’s wording about “tremendous demand” and the need to “inspire volunteers” is particularly painful at a time when several states have or are considering laws to allow adoption and foster care agencies receiving public funds to discriminate against LGBTQ prospective parents and others. Things could get worse if Trump signs a rumored executive order on “religious freedom” tomorrow. If he’s really concerned about the well-being of kids in need of foster homes, then he shouldn’t allow limits on otherwise qualified caregivers just because they’re LGBTQ.
There are, however, many LGBTQ people who are and will become foster parents, regardless of the obstacles. More power to them. Here are some resources for LGBTQ prospective foster parents that may help.