Being an ally to LGBTQ+ Youth
Mental health concerns continue to rise throughout the United States; especially among members of marginalized communities. The Trevor Project's 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health indicated that 66% of the respondents reported recent symptoms of anxiety, while 53% reported recent symptoms of depression. Even more alarming was the report that 39% had seriously considered suicide within the past year. Those who identified as transgender and non-binary reported even higher rates of distress. Fortunately the data also indicated that supportive environments significantly improve the mental health of LGBTQ+ children and youth. There are many ways you can help this happen:
- Educate Yourself: Learning about the experiences of LGBTQ+ children and youth can help you understand the kinds of support and acceptance they need. Organizations such as PFLAG and The Trevor Project offer useful resources for parents and educators.
- Show Acceptance: Look for opportunities to demonstrate respect and acceptance for people of any gender identity and sexual orientation, especially when you are around young people. This provides them with a role model and lets them know you are a safe person to talk with about their questions and concerns.
- Use Inclusive Language: Mislabeling an individual can cause unintentional harm. If you're not sure with pronouns to use, ask the person or use neutral terms such as they/them. Additional information is available at Gender Spectrum.
- Provide Resources: Young people need reliable sources of information about gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as support from their peers. The Trevor Project and It Gets Better are great places to start.
- Promote Change: Use your voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ children and youth, and to promote inclusivity in your community. The Human Rights Campaign provides information and support for advocates nationwide.
Talk to someone who can help! Find a licensed psychologist near you, use PPA's Psychologist Locator at www.papsy.org/locator. For information on other mental health topics, go to www.papsy.org, Resources, and then Public Resources. PPA offers these articles for informational purposes only; they are not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.