LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination that can make accessing and receiving mental health care more difficult. Healthcare workers may not understand their needs, and negative interactions can make it less likely that people will seek help when they need it.
In a survey of 35,000 LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 13 and 24, approximately 42% reported that they had seriously thought of attempting suicide in the past year. Such findings point to a need for psychological services that are designed to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people.
Several mental health resources have emerged to help address this need. Whether you are looking for help for yourself or are a supportive ally, becoming familiar with and sharing these resources can be helpful
Crisis Resources
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a crisis, the following hotlines can help you locate trained counselors, information, and other resources.
Crisis Text Line
Text LGBTQ to 741-741
Texting the Crisis Text Line will connect you to a crisis counselor who can offer support. This resource is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people under the age of 25. You can reach them by phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Trans Lifeline
1-877-565-8860
Trans Lifeline is a service devoted to offering care and support to transgender people. It provides peer support from a place of experience since the organization is staffed by trans individuals.
LGBT National Hotline
1-888-843-4564
The LGBT National Hotline is for people of all ages and offers a confidential, anonymous place to talk about issues including coming out, identity, bullying, safe sex, anxiety, and other concerns.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free, anonymous resource for anyone who is dealing with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. By calling or visiting the site to access their online chat service, you can talk to a specially trained counselor who understands issues that LGBTQ+ people may be facing. Their website also offers a section devoted to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer issues along with information for friends and family looking to help.
Online Resources
There are also a number of organizations that provide resources, education, and other services online. Some of these include:
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN): Student Action
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is an organization that offers information designed to help students take action and initiate changes in their schools and communities. Students who are interested in starting a Gender and Sexuality Alliance in their school can register to find resources and learn more about how student-led movements can help foster more inclusive schools for all students.
A 2014 study found that schools with anti-homophobia groups such as gay-straight alliances (GSAs) significantly reduced the risk of suicidal thoughts among both LGBTQ+ students and straight students.
GLMA Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality
GLMA Health Professionals Advancing LGBT Equality is an organization that works to connect people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender with welcoming healthcare providers. You can visit the site to search their provider directory to find healthcare professionals in your area.
True Colors United
The True Colors United focuses on ending homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth. In addition to providing learning resources and advocacy, they also provide fundraising guides for those interested in raising money to support LGBTQ+ youth.
Therapy Services
There are also therapy services that specialize in treating LGBTQ+ individuals. Online therapy, in particular, is an increasingly important way for people to access affirming therapy that is sensitive to the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning people.
Pride Institute
Pride Institute offers inclusive recovery programs for LGBTQ+ people. They offer both residential and outpatient treatment programs for substance use and addiction. This treatment provider also offers a family therapy program, a sexual health program, mental health referrals, and telehealth options.
Pride Counseling
Pride Counseling offers online therapy to members of the LGBTQ+ communities. This service features counselors who not only specialize in helping people who are LGBTQ+, they also have experience with a range of issues including stress, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, and interpersonal conflicts.
Support Groups
PFLAG
PFLAG was the first organization devoted to helping parents, families, and allies support LGBTQ+ people. Today, the organization supports a network of more than 400 local chapters found throughout the United States. Through their site, you can locate or even start a local chapter of the support organization.
Q Chat Space
Q Chat Space allows LGBTQ+ teens to participate in online support groups that are professionally facilitated. All members are verified and the facilitators guide conversations and enforce group rules to ensure safety. The site also offers an option for Spanish-speaking LBGTQ+ youth.
Youth Resources
Challenges that teens may face include lack of acceptance from their families and bullying by peers, both of which may play a role in increasing the risk of mental health concerns.
Statistics suggest that LGBTQ+ teens have a higher risk for mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and substance use.
The COVID-19 pandemic also took a serious toll on the mental health and well-being of many LGBTQ+ people, particularly young people. In a 2021 report by The Trevor Project, 70% of respondents reported that their mental health was “poor” during the pandemic. Almost half reported that while they wanted mental health care in 2020, they were unable to get it.
Some organizations that offer services specifically for LGBTQ+ youth include:
It Gets Better Project
The It Gets Better Project works to remind LGBTQ+ youth that there is hope and that no matter how things might be now, it does get better. The site offers resources and stories from people all over the world to encourage, uplift, and empower young people and to let them know that they are not alone.
LGBT National Youth Talkline
1-800-246-7743
The LGBT National Youth Talkline, provided by the LGBT National Help Center, is aimed at teens and features trained peer counselors who can offer advice and information on topics such as sexual health, coming out, mental health, and other topics. They also feature a national resource database where you can search for youth groups, community centers, and other support resources in your area.
Love Is Respect
1-866-331-9474
Love Is Respect offers resources for teens about healthy relationships and dating violence. The site has a section specifically for LGBTQ+ teens with information about dating abuse, personal safety, supporting others, and other topics. In addition to providing information about healthy relationships, they also have counselors available to provide support, advice, and education.
The National Runaway Safeline
1-800-786-2929
The National Runaway Safeline works to provide resources and assistance to young people who have run away from home. They also work to help those who feel unsafe in their home or who are thinking of running away. They can provide assistance with transportation, shelter, counseling, and returning home.
How Mental Health Resources Can Help
The minority stress model suggests that the increased rate of mental health issues among LGBTQ+ individuals stems from their experiences with rejection and discrimination. The good news is that affirmative peers, social support systems, and professional mental health services can be helpful for people who are experiencing minority stress.
A 2019 research report by The Trevor Project found that LGBTQ+ youth who had at least one accepting adult in their lives were 40% less likely to report attempting suicide in the previous year.
Having access to support is essential. The Trevor Project 2021 report found that LGBTQ+ youth who had access to supportive spaces that affirmed their gender identity and sexual orientation had lower rates of attempted suicide. Many young people also reported that despite hardships, they also found strength and joy through things such as representation in media, learning more about LGBTQ history, and therapy.
Other Ways to Get Help
If you are dealing with a mental health issue, it is important to get help. Discrimination can not only lead to increased risk for mental health issues like depression and anxiety, but it can also affect the amount and quality of support that people may have from their own families.
In cases where people experience rejection by their own family, reaching out to friends and other sources of support is essential. Talking to a mental health professional can be helpful.
You might start by discussing the issue with your doctor, who may be able to recommend a supportive professional in your community. You may also check with some of the resources listed above to find therapists or support groups in your community.
FAQs
In what ways can you support the Lgbtq+ community within the workplace? ›
- Review your policies for LGBTQ+ inclusion. ...
- Provide LGBTQ+ training. ...
- Set up an LGBTQ+ network. ...
- Appoint LGBTQ+ allies. ...
- List your pronouns. ...
- Incorporate gender-neutral language. ...
- Create unisex toilets. ...
- Celebrate LGBTQ+ history and events.
- Include sexual orientation and gender identity in nondiscrimination policies.
- Create a welcoming environment. ...
- Ask transgender patients for their preferred name and pronoun and use them. ...
- Ensure transgender individuals have reasonable access to restrooms.
Express affection when your child tells you or when you learn that your child is LGBT. Support your child's LGBT identity even though you may feel uncomfortable. Advocate for your child when he or she is mistreated because of their LGBT identity. Require that other family members respect your LGBT child.
What are the problems faced by Lgbtq? ›But outside of the US legal system, LGBTQ Americans still face discrimination, fear, and hate that results in physical, mental, and emotional harm. About 40% of homeless youth in America identify as LGBTQ and often end up on the streets because they are rejected by their family members.
How do you make an inclusive environment for LGBTQ? ›Create a welcoming physical environment.
Post signs that identify the room as a safe space, clearly designate a comment box, clearly post a nondiscrimination policy, set out LGBTQ health brochures, magazines, and reading materials, and specifically identify gender-neutral, single-occupancy restrooms.
Through affirmative therapy that validates the identities and experiences of LGBTQ individuals, social workers can help reduce peer and family rejection, ease stigma and combat feelings of isolation, providing them with a reliable source of support.
How can nurses support Lgbtq? ›Nurses can carry out interventions such as inclusive education about sex and sexual and gender diversity and bullying and suicide prevention programmes, and can provide gender-affirming and family-centred care.
How are Lgbtq students treated in schools? ›Under the U.S. Constitution, public schools have to address any harassment against LGBT students the same way they would address harassment against any other student. And a federal education law called Title IX bars public schools from ignoring harassment based on gender stereotyping.
How do you address an Lgbtq patient? ›Ask the patient what pronoun they prefer–he/she/they/ze or some other pronoun. (“Ze” is one of several relatively new pronouns. It is preferred by some transgender people and by some who consider themselves neither male nor female, and therefore find “he” and “she” inappropriate and hurtful.
How can I help my LGBT teen? ›- When your child discloses their identity to you, respond in an affirming, supportive way. ...
- Accept and love your child as they are. ...
- Stand up for your child when they are mistreated. ...
- Make it clear that slurs or jokes based on gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation are not tolerated.
What to say to your daughter when she comes out? ›
- DON'T Ignore it. ...
- DON'T Say you “knew all along.” ...
- DON'T Tell them “this is just a phase.” ...
- DON'T Use religion to shame them. ...
- DO Tell them you believe and love them, and thank them for telling you. ...
- DO Ask about what kind of support they need.
- Believe that bisexuals exist.
- Accept sexual identities without reservation.
- Respect relationships equally, whatever style they are.
- Speak out against bi antagonism and bi erasure in everyday life.
- Celebrate bi culture.
- Accept whatever label someone chooses.
Stonewall Pride celebrates the historic Stonewall Riots and the start of the LGBT+ human rights movement and how it has shaped our community.
How do you make LGBTQ feel welcome? ›- Don't make assumptions about your attendees. ...
- Follow attendees' leads on relationships and pronouns. ...
- Proactively welcome LGBTQ+ guests/attendees. ...
- Acknowledge non-binary attendees' needs (i.e., bathrooms). ...
- Share knowledge of local LGBTQ+ events and history.
Magazine reported research confirms that creating inclusive workplaces not only helps to decrease attrition but also helps to attract workers in a highly competitive job market. Employers who understand what makes LGBTQ people feel welcomed at work are more likely to succeed.
What is inclusion for LGBTQ? ›Every young person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves equal access to opportunities and services and their safety should be protected.
What type of work do social workers do? ›They provide individual, group, family, and couples therapy; work with clients to develop strategies to change behavior or cope with difficult situations; and refer clients to other resources or services, such as support groups or other mental health workers.
What is affirmative counseling? ›Abstract. Affirmative therapy is a type of psychotherapy used to validate and advocate for the needs of sexual and gender minority clients. Therapists use verbal and nonverbal means to demonstrate an affirming stance toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) clients.
What is one's internal personal sense of being a man or woman? ›Gender identity is each person's internal and individual experience of gender. It is a person's sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. A person's gender identity may be the same as or different from their birth-assigned sex.
What can schools do to help LGBT community? ›
- Post Safe Space Signs. You can designate your classroom a "safe zone" through stickers or posters on your classroom door. ...
- Start an LGBTQ Organization at Your School. ...
- Stand Up Against Homophobia. ...
- Integrate LGBTQ Topics into the Curriculum. ...
- Pursue Professional Development.
Research has found that school-based programs that address sexual/gender identity development, connect youth to their cultural community, and dispel prejudice and discrimination are likely to reduce bullying and harassment directed toward LGBTQ students.
What are 3 ways in which the school could address discrimination at school? ›- challenging stereotypes when they are heard.
- discussing stereotypes with students.
- identifying stereotypes in the curriculum.
- highlighting stereotypical images and roles in textbooks.
- allocating posts of responsibility equitably.
An affirming provider takes an active role in working to bridge cultural differences, so that clients can experience more than just being welcome in a foreign space. I want my clients to experience a sense of belonging and shared understanding in the therapy process.
What does Pflag stand for? ›In 2014, the organization officially changed its name from "Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays" to, simply, PFLAG.
How do I talk to my child about Lgbtq? ›Lean in. Remind your kids that you'll love them forever – even if you don't know exactly who they'll be in the future. Make your home (or a specific room) a safe zone so kids know they can come talk to you about anything, ask questions, discuss feelings and more – and that you will not reject or make fun of them.
How do you write a letter to your daughter she will never forget? ›Tell her what it means to you to spend time with her. Communicate why you love being her dad in this season of her life (add current things about her age right now that you're aware of and highlight them as positive) Let her know that you will always be there for her, telling her what it means to you to be her dad.
Why do I love my daughter so much? ›Daughters are the light in their mother's life. They fill her days with laughter, and happiness, and make her feel loved and cherished. A daughter is a treasure, to be cherished and loved unconditionally. Being a mom is one of the most rewarding gifts life can give.
How do you tell my daughter I love her? ›- Tuck her in at night.
- Ask to see her favorite app.
- Write jokes on a sticky note and place on her bathroom mirror.
- Ask her to be responsible for dessert at family dinner.
- Compliment her.
- Laugh with her.
- Thank your friend for having the courage to tell you. ...
- Don't judge your friend. ...
- Respect your friend's confidentiality. ...
- Tell your friend that you still care about them, no matter what. ...
- Don't be too serious.
How many genders are there in world? ›
There are many different gender identities, including male, female, transgender, gender neutral, non-binary, agender, pangender, genderqueer, two-spirit, third gender, and all, none or a combination of these.
How do you pronounce Lgbtqia+? ›English in the LGBTQIA+ Community - YouTube
What is a two spirit person? ›“Two-Spirit” is a term used within some Indigenous communities, encompassing cultural, spiritual, sexual and gender identity. The term reflects complex Indigenous understandings of gender roles, spirituality, and the long history of sexual and gender diversity in Indigenous cultures.
What does Pride stand for? ›Originally adopted by UCSF Medical Center 16 years ago, these set of values are organized under the acronym PRIDE, which stands for Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.
Is Pride a protest? ›Pride in the face of repression and subjugation is in and of itself a protest. Pride in this context is a courageous claim to validity. It's a brave expression of belonging, even when the culture or the country is saying otherwise.
Who is Zazu Nova? ›Zazu Nova, a black transgender woman, sits on top of a table at a Gay Liberation Front meeting in 1970. Zazu was identified by many eyewitnesses as the person who may have thrown the legendary “first brick” at the Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1969.
How do I make my workplace more inclusive with LGBTQ? ›- Create a strong, inclusive policy. ...
- Use inclusive language. ...
- Create support programs for LGBTQ+ employees. ...
- Offer LGBTQ+ inclusive benefits. ...
- Create an LGBTQ+ network. ...
- Communicate and engage with employees. ...
- Provide LGBTQ+ Inclusion Training. ...
- Include inclusive hiring practices.
- Educate yourself and others. ...
- Don't expect to be perfect immediately. ...
- Put your pronouns in email signatures. ...
- Find out about reporting processes at your workplace. ...
- Rally senior leaders to be active champions for Pride networks. ...
- Don't ask LGBTQ+ people intrusive questions.
Workplace Diversity: Benefits for LGBTQ Individuals
By creating an LGBTQ-friendly workplace, companies can reduce stress and improve the health of LGBTQ employees, increase job satisfaction and create more positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors.
- Show customers that your business is a safe space. ...
- Help celebrate and foster spaces of belonging. ...
- Show that your business has gender-neutral restrooms that all customers are welcome to use. ...
- Explore how to run an inclusive business.
What is inclusion for LGBTQ? ›
Every young person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserves equal access to opportunities and services and their safety should be protected.
How do I support LGBT coworkers? ›- Educate yourself and encourage others to do the same. ...
- Be part of a supportive culture. ...
- Be sure your hiring practices are inclusive. ...
- Think about how your company shows up publicly. ...
- Be an active and vocal LGBTQ ally.
LGBT: Abbreviation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender. An umbrella term used to refer to the community as a whole. Pansexual/Omnisexual: Terms used to describe people who have romantic, sexual or affectional desire for people of all genders and sexes.
Why is it important to be a pride ally? ›So being an ally means having an active role in helping to dismantle oppression and discouraging discrimination. It also means including marginalised communities and encouraging LGBTQI+ people to have pride in themselves. More allies can make the world seem like a safer place for LGBTQI+ communities.
What is Stonewall Pride? ›Stonewall Pride celebrates the historic Stonewall Riots and the start of the LGBT+ human rights movement and how it has shaped our community.
What can companies do for pride month? ›- Get educated. ...
- Use your rewards platform to give to LGBTQIA+ causes. ...
- Get fun swag. ...
- Update your company email signatures. ...
- Switch up your Zoom background. ...
- Update company social media pictures with Pride frames or filters. ...
- Fill up your company calendar.
- Post Safe Space Signs. You can designate your classroom a "safe zone" through stickers or posters on your classroom door. ...
- Start an LGBTQ Organization at Your School. ...
- Stand Up Against Homophobia. ...
- Integrate LGBTQ Topics into the Curriculum. ...
- Pursue Professional Development.
Disability inclusiveness has been shown to lead to: increased levels of engagement and productivity. better workplace morale. diversity in problem solving approaches.
Does Google support LGBTQ+? ›We provided $4 million to LGBTQ+ communities around the world for Pride 2021 through Google.org. This included a $2 million grant to OutRight Action International's COVID-19 Global LGBTIQ Emergency Fund, which is helping to provide resources like food, shelter, and job training during COVID-19.
How do I market to the LGBTQ community? ›- Be inclusive and diverse. ...
- Be sensitive to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender stereotypes and avoid positioning LGBTQ people as a perceived threat for humor. ...
- Do good market research. ...
- Go national. ...
- Be consistent and confident.
Does Google support Pride? ›
In addition, supporting Pride makes Google more relevant to a more diverse society. Being more inclusive is table stakes now for meeting the needs of Google's users.