Making LGBTQIA+ Mental Health a Priority During Pride Month

Pride Month is here in the month of June where all identities and individuals within the LGBTQIA community are recognized and celebrated. There are several events that take place this month like Denver PrideFest, LGBTQIA+ themed events, and more. Although this month can be filled with so much love and support, the community still faces issues with mental health. With so much anti-trans legislation and discrimination that continues to occur, it’s important to be mindful of what is going on in our country while we celebrate Pride Month.

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health has provided important information around the mental health of individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community (refer to their detailed survey results at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/). For context, the survey includes 34,000 LGBTQ youth ages 13 to 24 across the United States, with 45% of respondents being LGBTQ youth of color and 48% being transgender or nonbinary. 

Their 2022 survey states that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. That is a large percentage of individuals in this community across the country. In contrast, LGBTQ youth who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support. 

Another noteworthy fact is that 60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it. These statistics highlight how important it is to have access to the right resources and support. Having mental health providers that represent queer individuals is a significant step forward for them to feel seen and understood.

This Pride Month and every month, be sure to check in on your queer friends, family members, and colleagues. This month can be an incredibly vulnerable time for many, so it’s important to take time for yourself and lean on those you can trust.

If you or someone you know needs help, The Trevor Project has a crisis line to call 1-866-488-7386 or Text ‘START’ to 678-678.

References:

2022 national survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. The Trevor Project. (2022). https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022

Pride and mental health. Mental Health America. (n.d.). https://mhanational.org/lgbtq/pride