Building a Future: Career Advice for Queer, Non-Binary, and Trans Youth
Too often, young people—especially those who are queer, non-binary, or transgender—don’t receive the support and encouragement they need to pursue their dreams. The absence of guidance, mentorship, and accountability means that many find themselves stuck in survival mode rather than building the future they deserve.
I recently had a conversation with a friend who is a Black trans woman in her thirties. She has built a career as a hairstylist—not because it was her first love, but because it provided a sustainable and legal way to make a living. She is highly skilled at cutting, styling, and coloring hair and has a cosmetology license. The job requires strong communication skills and excellent customer service, which she has mastered so well that she could also thrive as a bartender. Despite this, she pursued a marketing degree while working as a stylist and recently decided to start graduate school. This decision came after a discussion we had about long-term career goals, financial security, and the importance of finding fulfillment in one’s profession. Her journey made me realize how many young people lack the encouragement and accountability to pursue their dreams.
Statistics paint a stark reality: 1.6 million youth experience homelessness each year, with nearly 40% identifying as LGBTQ+, despite making up only 7% of the general youth population. Most of these young people are Black or Indigenous and come from low-income households. Nearly 60% of LGBTQ+ youth face a negative reaction from their parents when coming out. This means that, for many, home is not a safe or supportive place, let alone a space for career advice and guidance.
Given the current social and political atmosphere in the U.S., life will only get harder for those on the economic margins. That’s why it’s critical to have a plan. For those who have found some stability—whether through work, school, or community—it’s time to start thinking about the future. Here’s how to do that.
1. You Have the Right to Dream
Despite all the challenges, you have the right to have dreams and pursue them. Your career and your identity are not mutually exclusive—you can find ways to balance them. Everyone struggles with some aspect of themselves at different points in life, but self-acceptance and commitment to your growth will be key to your success. Contentment doesn’t mean settling; it means finding joy in the process while moving toward your goals.
2. Take Stock of Who You Are
If your basic needs are met—meaning you have food, shelter, and safety—then take time to consider where you want to be in the future. It may seem distant now, but your 40s and 50s will arrive quicker than you think. Studies show that people reach their highest earning potential in their late 40s to mid-50s, which means working in a career for 20+ years is a key factor in long-term financial stability.
If you already know what kind of career you want to pursue, that’s great. If you’re unsure, there are plenty of online career assessment tests that align your interests and skills with potential professions. A simple search for “career assessment tests” will yield both free and paid options. Be honest with yourself—are you being complacent in your career choices, or are you pushing yourself toward growth? Now is the time to start making strategic decisions.
3. Research and Ask for Help
Once you’ve identified potential career paths, research them thoroughly. Look at factors like education requirements, salary, industry demographics, and job locations. Make a list of pros and cons for each career, assigning points to different aspects that matter most to you. The highest-scoring profession could be your best option.
Next, find people who are already in those fields. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking—create a profile, connect with professionals, and see if anyone in your network can introduce you to someone in your desired field. If you don’t have a direct connection, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for mentorship or guidance. Many professionals are willing to help, but you have to take the initiative to ask.
4. Chart Your Own Path
If traditional career paths don’t align with your identity or values, consider creating your own. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face barriers in corporate environments, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options. Entrepreneurship, freelancing, and working within community-based organizations can offer fulfilling careers outside of mainstream corporate structures.
If finding a mentor on LinkedIn proves difficult, reach out to LGBTQ+ organizations like The Montrose Center (in Houston) or other local nonprofits that support queer and trans individuals. They may have connections to professionals willing to offer guidance.
5. Plan for Long-Term Financial Stability
One of the biggest concerns for the future is financial security, especially as retirement approaches. The reality is that you will need a savings plan in place. Ideally, you should aim to save 10-15 times your salary by the time you reach retirement age. This isn’t meant to be daunting—it’s a reminder that every step you take now, whether through education, skill-building, or career advancement, will impact your financial future.
Balancing the cost of living, transitioning (for those who seek medical transition), and long-term financial planning is no easy feat. But it’s important to think ahead so that you don’t find yourself struggling later in life.
6. Be Bold and Keep Moving Forward
The road ahead won’t be easy. Being queer, non-binary, or transgender in a society that often marginalizes your existence is exhausting. But you are strong enough to handle it. Every step you take toward financial independence and career stability is an act of resilience and defiance against a system that often fails to support you.
Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Seek out mentorship, build your community, and don’t be afraid to dream big. Your future is yours to shape—step by step, decision by decision.
