Report: Mass. Must Support LGBT Youth

Massachusetts must do more to help meet the needs of the state's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth.

That's the conclusion of a report released Tuesday by a state commission charged with making recommendations to Massachusetts policymakers.

The report recommends Massachusetts adopt new strategies to allow state agencies to collect data on gender identity and sexual orientation. It also recommends expanding non-discrimination policies to include gender identity.

Attorney General Maura Healey, the nation's first openly gay attorney general, praised the report.

Healey pointed to other problems facing many gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth, including homelessness, bullying and substance abuse.

Lt. Gov. Karen Polito told the commission members that she and Gov. Charlie Baker are committed to helping improve the lives of all young people, including gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth.