The month of June is an exciting time for the LGTBQIA+ community. With parades, festivals, and local celebrations throughout the month, it can feel liberating and validating for those a part of the community. Regarding LGBTQIA+ mental health, some troubling statistics and experiences need recognition past Pride Month.
According to The Trevor Project, here are the top statistics about LGBTQIA+ youth and mental health: “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018) — and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk.
LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020). The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.
The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.
Based on the statistics above, it’s clear that LGBTQIA+ youth face severe challenges concerning their mental health and well-being. Knowing the warning signs of declining mental health and suicide by having honest conversations with your teen can help tremendously.
So what can we do to make our LGBTQIA+ youth more comfortable?
Affirming their identity, pronouns, new name, sexual preference, and having a safe space can provide comfort and trust between them and adults. Not only for themselves but potential friends or partners they may bring over.
According to recent studies by Hopkins Medicine, various ways exist to create a supportive and enriching environment for LGBTQIA+ youth.
Create a safe space: A safe space is where anyone in the LGBTQIA+ feels comfortable and non-threatened. Providing healthy LGBTQIA+ media such as books, magazines, watching shows, or movies is a small way to create a safe space.
Be supportive and respectful: Being supportive of a pronoun or name change makes all the difference. Respecting someone’s choice makes them feel validated, comfortable and safe in their own space. Ask questions about their pronouns and advocate for them among family and friends during the process. If you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it. Correct yourself and move on with the conversation.
Be an active listener: Have an open mind and listen intently to their wants & needs. Sometimes someone just needs a supportive ear, not a problem solver.
Be an ally: Accompany them to pride events, maybe hang up the LGBTQIA+ flag in your home, welcome their queer partners and friends with open arms, and be accepting and non-judgmental. If you have different beliefs from them, avoid projecting your thoughts onto them, as they may disagree.
Encourage honest and open communication: Having meaningful conversations is helpful for anyone. Talk to them about their mental health, life at school, peer relationships, safe same-sex measures, etc.
Pride is much more than parades, rainbow flags, and community events. Being accepting and respectful of the LGTBQIA+ youth in your life is what it’s all about. Creating a safe space in a world of potential discrimination and hate makes it so much easier for someone to navigate the world as an adult.
For a complete list of LGBTQIA+ Youth resources, visit the GLSEN website at https://www.glaad.org/resourcelist.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis or suicidal idealization, there is help. Visit these LGBTQIA+ friendly hotlines:
The Trevor Project Hotline: 1-866-488-7386 or text 641-641
LGBTQIA+ Peer Support Professionals manage the Trevor Project Hotline. Open 24/7
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the 24/7 Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline at 1-800-724-0461
Don’t feel like talking? Text SUPPORT to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available.
Please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to speak with trained crisis workers at 1-800-273-8255 or 988
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