Seeing, Supporting, and Safeguarding Our LGBTQIA+ Community
Written By: Leslie Wells
Hope and Healing recognizes the many burdensome challenges faced by our LGBTQIA+ community members when seeking adequate healthcare, resources, and community support. We also recognize the fatal impact that these barriers are making on the health and well being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, specifically among young people.
Key findings from The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health include the following statistics:
—45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.
—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.
—60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.
—LGBTQ youth who live in a community that is accepting of LGBTQ people reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide than those who do not.
In an effort to reduce the aforementioned barriers and increase accessibility to mental health and wellness approaches that meet the needs of each part of every individual, we have compiled a list of online resources that speak specifically to these issues:
PFLAG Southern Maryland—
PFLAG offers support, resources, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ and their loved ones, including faith-based support, support for military families with LGBTQIA+ children and teens, and more.
The Trevor Project—
Read blogs about topics such as the complexities of lesbian visibility, the trans/non-binary umbrella, and how to have safe, and supportive discussions about suicide with our LGBTQIA+ loved ones.
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Lighthouse—
Lighthouse publishes original content on a weekly basis from top LGBTQIA+ doctors and therapists. Subscribe to their newsletter for regular updates, or utilize the website to search for primary care, therapists, psychiatrists, and more health care providers specializing in LGBTQIA+ health issues.
National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center—
Read tips for coming out and communicating clearly with health care providers regarding health issues related to or affected by sexual orientation.
https://www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/publication/dadt-lqbtq-youth/
Please share these resources freely and often. We witness how small efforts can sometimes make the greatest differences on a daily basis, and believe that everyone is worthy of health, hope, and healing.
