LGBTQ+ RESOURCES |
LGBTQ+ Mental Health
LGBTQIA+ is an abbreviation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more. These terms are used to describe a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Although being LGBTQ+ is absolutely not a mental illness, many LGBTQ+ people experience mental health struggles. The bisexual and transgender communities have the highest rates of mental health concerns within the LGBTQ+ population. Younger members of the LGBTQ+ community struggle the most with mental health concerns of all the age groups.
LGBTQ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.
Sources: Defining LGBTQ+ - The Center, LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health | Mental Health America (mhanational.org), The Trevor Project: 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
Resources for Youth and Families
- TrevorSpace - An Online Community for LGBTQ Young People (thetrevorproject.org): With 98% of LGBTQ young people saying a safe social networking site would be valuable to them, we’re proud to offer TrevorSpace, an affirming, online community for LGBTQ young people between the ages of 13-24. TrevorSpace helps young people explore their identities, get advice, find support, and make friends in a moderated community intentionally designed for them.
- LGBTQI | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness: Resources on finding mental health services for those in the LGBTQ+ community.
- LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resource Center | Mental Health America (mhanational.org): Support and mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth.
- PFLAG: PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
Resources for Professionals
View statistics on mental health for LGBTQ+ individuals:
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- LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
- The Trevor Project: 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
- LGBT Adults Report Anxiety, Depression at All Ages (census.gov)
- SAMHSA Releases New Data on Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Behavioral Health | SAMHSA
- US Trans Survey: The U.S. Trans Survey is the largest survey of trans people, by trans people, in the United States.
- LGBTQ+ Communities and Mental Health | Mental Health America (mhanational.org)
Learn more about LGBTQ+ terms and history:
- Glossary of Terms - Human Rights Campaign (hrc.org): This glossary was written to help give people the words and meanings to help make conversations easier and more comfortable. LGBTQ+ people use a variety of terms to identify themselves, not all of which are included in this glossary.
- History of the Pride Flag: Colorful flags are flown at many LGBTQ+ events. The history of the Pride Flag goes back to the 1970s, and the design has changed numerous times over the years. Here’s a timeline of some of the major LGBTQ+ flags and what they stand for.
Additional resources:
- Home » LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center: We provide educational programs, resources, and consultation to health care organizations with the goal of optimizing quality, cost-effective healthcare for LGBTQIA+ people.
- Office on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Resources for Practitioners (apa.org): LGBT Resources for Practitioners.
- Research: How to Be a Better Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community (hbr.org): A guide on how to be a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
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