More Than Just “Seen” : Supporting and Safeguarding the LGBTQIA+ Community
Written By: Leslie Wells
The barriers between adequate healthcare, resources, community support and our LGBTQIA+ community members remain present and detrimental in 2024. Hope and Healing recognizes the negative and sometimes fatal consequences that these barriers are making on the health and well being of LGBTQIA+ individuals, specifically among younger generations.
Key findings from The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health include the following statistics:
— 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year — including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people.
— More than 1 in 10 (12%) LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year.
— 50% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.
— More than half (54%) of transgender and nonbinary young people found their school to be gender-affirming, and those who did reported lower rates of attempting suicide.
— LGBTQ+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those who reported living in very unaccepting communities.
These statistics paint a clear depiction of how critical an increase in support and resources remains. In an effort to reinforce a sense of hope and healing for the members of our LGBTQIA+ community, we have assembled the following resources that may increase the likelihood of receiving proper care and support:
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.