RELATED: Understanding Suicide: From Risk Factors to Prevention, and How to Get Help The survey of nearly 34,000 LGBTQ+ young people ages 13 to 24 across the United States also found that 73 percent reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, and 58 percent reported experiencing symptoms of depression. Not only are young LGBTQ+ students much more likely to be bullied and to experience mental health issues such as feeling sad or hopeless, seriously considering suicide, and attempting suicide, they are also more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors such has having four or more sexual partners and not using condoms, per the CDC survey. They are also more likely to have been tested for HIV and other STDs. RELATED: 7 Ways to Have Safer Sex to Reduce Your Risk of HIV
How Stigma Affects LGBTQ+ Mental Health
The stress of being stigmatized and discriminated against in their communities can affect both the physical health and emotional well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, the CDC survey reports. According to the 2019 YRBS, lesbian, gay, or bisexual students and students not sure of their sexual identity were more likely to use certain illicit drugs; misuse prescription opioids; be threatened, injured with a weapon, bullied, or electronically bullied at school; experience physical or sexual violence on dates or be forced to have sex than their heterosexual peers. Many of these negative experiences can lead adolescents to risky sexual behavior and increase their risk of STDs and HIV, the survey notes.
The Importance of Acceptance and Support
Stress levels for LGBTQ+ youth, as for all youth, depend on how much support and acceptance they experience in everyday settings (home, school, community) as opposed to hurt and rejection. For a queer young person to speak frankly about gender identity and sexual activities with a healthcare provider, or anyone really, can feel stressful and risky.
Holistic, Quality Programs Can Help
Quality programs for LGBTQ+ youth closely address their social and emotional issues. Some notable programs include the following: The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. The It Gets Better Project The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization that aims to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the world. GLSEN GLSEN’s mission is to ensure that every member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. GLSEN also supports powerful student-led initiatives, including the Day of Silence and Ally Week.
Get Involved to End Stigma and Discrimination
Everyone can help end the stigma that can damage the health of LGBTQ+ youth. Here are some ways you can serve as an ally:
Speak out against any harassment or bullying of LGBTQ+ people you encounter.Learn about LGBTQ+ issues. Talk about them.Wear or display LGBTQ+-friendly buttons, clothes, and posters.Stand by anyone who comes out.Start a Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) at your school or your child’s school, if the school doesn’t have one yet. Research shows that GSAs have a positive effect on students’ health and wellness, and can also protect students from harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
For young people, health and happiness blossom in communities built on kindness and respect for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Each of us can make a difference.
