Support for LGBTQIA+ Youth

hands making a heart with a pride wristband on

Support for LGBTQIA+ Youth

Steering Committee

June 1, 2023

As we head into June and the varied celebrations for the month, one of the many things observed this month is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, plus (LGBTQIA+) Pride. Pride is the promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of gay, bisexual, and transgender people as a social group.1 Pride is both a jubilant communal celebration of visibility and a personal celebration of self-worth and dignity.2 While public support for LGBTQIA+ individuals has increased and there is more understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community, unfortunately the last few years have seen a rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ policy proposals throughout many states in the country. This rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric leads to disproportionately high rates of socio-emotional distress and mental illness among LGBTQIA+ youth.3

This means that those of us who work with children and youth must be prepared to provide resources, services, and supports to those children and youth who may identify as LGBTQIA+ in a manner that is affirming and non-judgmental. While the mental health needs of LGBTQIA+ youth are diverse and can vary based on individual experiences and identities within the LGBTQIA+ community, there are some common challenges and concerns that many LGBTQIA+ youth may face.

Here are a few key areas to consider:

  • Acceptance and Identity
    • LGBTQIA+ youth often go through a process of self-discovery and understanding their sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression
    • LGBTQIA+ youth may struggle with acceptance from family, peers, or society, which can lead to feelings of isolation, confusion, and self-doubt.

  • Bullying and Discrimination
    • LGBTQIA+ youth are more likely to experience bullying, harassment, and discrimination, both in-person and online.4
    • This can have a significant impact on LGBTQIA+ youth mental health, leading to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem

  • Coming Out
    • The process of coming out to family, friends, and the broader community can be challenging and stressful for LGBTQIA+ youth.
    • Fear of rejection, negative reactions, and the potential loss of support networks can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional distress.

  • Minority Stress
    • LGBTQIA+ individuals often face minority stress, which results from living in a society that stigmatizes and marginalizes non-heterosexual and non-cisgender identities.
    • Constant exposure to prejudice, discrimination, and microaggressions can lead to chronic stress, mental and physical health issues, and a reduced sense of well-being.5.
    • Lack of Support
    • Many LGBTQIA+ youth struggle to find supportive environments, both within their immediate communities and in mental health services.
    • Limited access to affirmative and inclusive care providers who are knowledgeable about LGBTQIA+ issues can create barriers to receiving appropriate support.
    • Higher Rates of Mental Health Disorders
    • LGBTQIA+ youth are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, disordered eating, self-harm, substance use, and suicidal ideation and attempts.6.
    • These disparities can be attributed to the unique challenges and stressors LGBTQIA+ youth face due to their sexual orientation or gender identity (SOGI)

Historically much more research has been conducted on understanding sexual orientation than gender identity, therefore we have more information about sexual orientation but as more research is focused on gender identity, we are learning more every day. For example, it is now understood that gender diversity – or identifying with a gender that does not align with sex assigned at birth, and/or having a gender expression that varies from that which is culturally expected for one’s gender or sex assigned at birth – is part of the normal and healthy spectrum of human diversity, it is not pathological, and does not require clinical attention on its own. This progress has helped us understand gender diversity and that gender exists on a continuum rather than in the binary that was believed for a long time. As we learn and understand this more it is important to move away from attempts at making youth feel like they need to change their SOGI since we know these efforts do not work and in fact can be harmful.7

It is important for us to educate ourselves and understand this as:7

  • The proportion of adolescents reporting minority sexual orientation identity nearly doubled, from 7.3% in 2009 to 14.3% in 2017.Research with high school students has found that between 1.1 and 9.2 percent identify as transgender, nonbinary, or another gender identity that differed from their sex assigned at birth.
  • LGBTQIA+ youth have an Increased likelihood of experiencing child maltreatment, school-based victimization, violence, and homelessness.
  • LGBTQIA+ youth are overrepresented in the child welfare and juvenile correctional systems.

Given the significant mental health risks that gender minority youth face when affirming care and supports are not available, affirming care and supports are appropriate and necessary even for LGBTQIA+ youth, even those who may later identify differently in adulthood. The benefits of providing affirming care and supports include reducing the risk of suicide in gender-diverse and transgender youth.

To help promote health and safety among LGBTQIA+ youth, schools can implement the following policies and practices: 8

  • Encourage respect for all students and prohibit bullying, harassment, and violence against all students.
  • Identify “safe spaces”, such as counselors’ offices or designated classrooms, where LGBTQIA+ youth can receive support from administrators, teachers, or other school staff.
  • Ensure that health curricula or educational materials include HIV, other STD, and pregnancy prevention information that is relevant to LGBTQIA+ youth (such as ensuring that curricula or materials use language and terminology.
  • Provide trainings to school staff on how to create safe and supportive school environments for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and encourage staff to attend these trainings.
  • Facilitate access to community-based providers who have experience providing health services, including HIV/STD testing and counseling, social, and psychological services to LGBTQIA+ Youth

Addressing the mental health needs of LGBTQIA+ youth requires a comprehensive approach that includes promoting acceptance and understanding, providing safe spaces, offering mental health support and resources, and advocating for policies that protect their rights and well-being. Affirming and inclusive mental health services, along with community support, can play a crucial role in fostering resilience and promoting positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ youth.

References:

  1. LGNT Pride
  2. 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
  3. LGBT
  4. LGBTQ+ Youth: Addressing Health Disparities with a School-Based Approach
  5. Behavioral Health Equity
  6. Mental Health in LGBTQ+ Youth: Pediatric Mental Health Minute Series
  7. New Survey Data Shows LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Crisis
  8. Pride and Mental Health
  9. Affirming Your Loved One's Gender Exploration and Identity
  10. Discriminatory Transgender Health Bills Have Critical Consequences for Youth
  11. Anti-LGBTQ Policy Proposals Can Harm Youth Mental Health
  12. Research Shows the Risk of Misgendering Transgender Youth
  13. Policies That Discriminate Against LGBTQ Students Are Not Aligned with Child Development Research
  14. CenterLink,The Community of LGBTQ Centers
  15. Guides Built for and with LGBTQ+ Teens to Help you Explore your Identity and Support your Mental Health.

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