By: Kelsey Wooten, LPC
During pride month it is important to learn about, support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Homelessness and mental illness are two topics that need more air time.
Mental health
The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People found that “41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including roughly half of transgender and nonbinary youth.” This survey is incredible and I highly recommend taking the time to read though it and share. It breaks down finding by anxiety, depression, suicide, discrimination, how to support and why it matters.
According to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America “Somewhere between 30 and 60 percent of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, or transgender people deal with anxiety and depression at some point in their lives. That rate is 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than that of their straight or gender-conforming counterparts”
Homelessness
When LGBTQIA+ kids/teen come out or are outed it can become dangerous for them if they are not supported and/or rejected. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless “a survey of homeless service providers administered by the Williams Institute at UCLA, 68% of the homeless youth they served had a history of family rejection, 65% had a history of mental health issues (such as depression or anxiety), and 54% had a history of family abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual).” They are found that “up to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ, while the general youth population is only 10% LGBTQ.” This is why Pride month, and education around normalizing sexuality/queerness matters.
Here is one statistic from The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People on why supportive adults matter. “Many LGBTQ+ young people lack access to affirming spaces, with only 38% of LGBTQ+ youth reporting that their home is LGBTQ+-affirming and just over half saying that their school is LGBTQ+-affirming. Just over 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming, and 52% found their school to be affirming. The Trevor Project’s research consistently finds that LGBTQ+ young people report lower rates of attempting suicide when they have access to LGBTQ+-affirming spaces.”
I asked some of the staff a few questions about pride month, visibility, and mental health. Here are these thoughts:
Crystal – “It’s so important for members of the LGBTQ+ community to see that there is hope and that there are people who support and love them just as they are. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of hate in this world and it can be so discouraging. Celebrating Pride is reminding those individuals that they aren’t alone.”
Libby – “I believe pride month is important because the LGBTQIA+ community deserves to feel safe and celebrated. Giving the queer community space to celebrate, connect, educate and raise awareness about the issues affecting our community today is vital in creating a healthier and safer world.”
“On a professional level, being able to connect with clients as an openly queer mental health counselor is such an honor. Visibility is especially important to me, because the time in our culture’s history where being gay was both a crime and a mental illness isn’t *that* far in our past (LGBTQIA+ individuals were sent to psychiatric hospitals to be “cured” through the 1960s and beyond, the American Psychological Association only removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses in 1973, and states are still trying to use claims that transgender individuals are mentally ill to justify harmful legislation, etc.). Being an openly queer therapist allows my clients to know that they’re safe and welcome in therapy and that they, too, can do this work if they want!”
Sarah – “Pride and visibility impact mental health in profound ways. When someone has experienced trauma, neglect, social disadvantages, isolation or discrimination because of who they are or who they love, this can have a detrimental effect on mental health. Pride can help to bridge that gap by providing the safe space to be visible as one’s authentic self, to be surrounded by others who are similar, to help build a community and support system, and to celebrate all the parts of oneself.”
Libby – “Feeling seen can do so much good for anyone’s mental health, so it makes so much sense why pride month can do so much good for the LGBTQIA+ community. Feeling seen for exactly who you are, and having a sense of belonging can give us a greater sense of well-being.”
Nicole – “Everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the world around them. We know that there are so many factors that impact LGBTQIA+ mental health in negative ways- from family rejection to discrimination to a lack of affirming spaces. Pride month gives us the opportunity to amplify LGBTIA+ visibility and to celebrate the fact that you are not alone- you belong.”
Nicole – “I know that it’s cliche, but I think that it can still be helpful to hear: that I know it’s scary when you’re not sure if those you love will accept you, but it does get better; there is hope. There’s a whole community of LGBTQIA+ people out there waiting, whenever you’re ready. They can be your friends, chosen family, mentors, bosses, doctors, lawyers, baristas, neighbors, etc.- and they’re pretty great!”