A conversation about the state of LGBTQIA+ mental health.

Let’s talk about it. [It is our honor to suggest that hope and help are real. ]( [It is our honor to suggest that hope and help are real. ]( [Celebrating pride is suicide prevention.] 11.3 million surveyed adults in the United States identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. This number is likely higher due to survey limitations and the number of people who feel unsafe or not ready to identify themselves. This number also does not include the vast number of identities that exist outside of those four such as intersex, asexual, nonbinary, and more. LGB adults are 2x as likely to experience a mental health condition compared to heterosexual adults, and transgender adults are nearly 4x as likely to experience a mental health condition compared to cisgender adults. It is important to note that these identities themselves are not mental illnesses. In reality, the stigma, shame, and inhumane treatment that is experienced is one of the biggest contributing factors to the mental health struggles of those in the LGBTQIA+ community. This pain is real and we choose not to look away. Keep reading to learn more about how mental health is being impacted and the resources that exist for those who need support. [LGBTQ young people recently reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. Yet, over half who wanted care, were not able to get it.] [LGBTQIA+ adults are twice as likely to struggle with a substance use disorder.] [47% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.] [Over 55% of LGBTQIA+ young people reported that hate crimes and homophobia have increased their stress and anxiety.] Sources: 1. [Healthline]( 2. [American Addiction Centers]( | 3. [The Trevor Project]( The truth about LGBTQIA+ mental health. This community has faced a long road of systemic discrimination, violence, and rejection. This is apparent in the unique ways that LGBTQIA+ individuals are struggling. We know that experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community are incredibly diverse, but those members who are also Black, Indigenous, or people of color face additional challenges and barriers. Over 40% of LGBTQIA+ adults are people of color. That means the queer and trans communities have more BIPOC representation than the general United States population. These individuals face compounded challenges because of systemic, covert, and overt racism. Studies show that BIPOC LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and attempt suicide, and report higher rates of physical threats compared to their white counterparts. These challenges have always existed, but the current state of conversation and debate in the United States is making this mental health crisis worse. 85% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported that the current political rhetoric and laws affecting their rights have negatively impacted their mental health. They are not receiving the care they need and the impact is devastating. What does this all mean and where do we go from here? We know without a doubt that words, conversations, advocacy, and representation matter. LGBTQIA+ young people are 40% less likely to attempt suicide when they have even one affirming adult in their life. This community deserves to bear witness to people being willing to fight for their well-being—as proof that their existence is meaningful and worthy of celebration. You may not know if someone around you is struggling. Acceptance, kindness, and love create real space for people to thrive. [Celebrating pride is suicide prevention.] 11.3 million surveyed adults in the United States identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. This number is likely higher due to survey limitations and the number of people who feel unsafe or not ready to identify themselves. This number also does not include the vast number of identities that exist outside of those four such as intersex, asexual, nonbinary, and more. LGB adults are 2x as likely to experience a mental health condition compared to heterosexual adults, and transgender adults are nearly 4x as likely to experience a mental health condition compared to cisgender adults. It is important to note that these identities themselves are not mental illnesses. In reality, the stigma, shame, and inhumane treatment that is experienced is one of the biggest contributing factors to the mental health struggles of those in the LGBTQIA+ community. This pain is real and we choose not to look away. Keep reading to learn more about how mental health is being impacted and the resources that exist for those who need support. [LGBTQ young people recently reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. Yet, over half who wanted care, were not able to get it.] [LGBTQIA+ adults are twice as likely to struggle with a substance use disorder.] [47% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.] [Over 55% of LGBTQIA+ young people reported that hate crimes and homophobia have increased their stress and anxiety.] Sources: 1. Healthline | 2. [American Addiction Centers]( | 3. [The Trevor Project]( The truth about LGBTQIA+ mental health. This community has faced a long road of systemic discrimination, violence, and rejection. This is apparent in the unique ways that LGBTQIA+ individuals are struggling. We know that experiences within the LGBTQIA+ community are incredibly diverse, but those members who are also Black, Indigenous, or people of color face additional challenges and barriers. Over 40% of LGBTQIA+ adults are people of color. That means the queer and trans communities have more BIPOC representation than the general United States population. These individuals face compounded challenges because of systemic, covert, and overt racism. Studies show that BIPOC LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with depression and attempt suicide, and report higher rates of physical threats compared to their white counterparts. These challenges have always existed, but the current state of conversation and debate in the United States is making this mental health crisis worse. 85% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported that the current political rhetoric and laws affecting their rights have negatively impacted their mental health. They are not receiving the care they need and the impact is devastating. What does this all mean and where do we go from here? We know without a doubt that words, conversations, advocacy, and representation matter. LGBTQIA+ young people are 40% less likely to attempt suicide when they have even one affirming adult in their life. This community deserves to bear witness to people being willing to fight for their well-being—as proof that their existence is meaningful and worthy of celebration. You may not know if someone around you is struggling. Acceptance, kindness, and love create real space for people to thrive. You are not alone. If you are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, know that you deserve to care for yourself however you can right now. Check in with others in the community who understand the heavy feelings you’re experiencing. We have stories and conversations about mental health from LGBTQIA+ individuals who might relate to some of the things you’re feeling. [Podcast: On Mountains, Mental Health, and Metaphors]( [''Beyond the Rainbow'' blog]( [''From Church Pews to Softball Fields'' blog]( You're not alone. If you are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, know that you deserve to care for yourself however you can right now. Check in with others in the community who understand the heavy feelings you’re experiencing. We have stories and conversations about mental health from LGBTQIA+ individuals who might relate to some of the things you’re feeling. [Podcast: On Mountains, Mental Health, and Metaphors](   [Podcast: Affirming LGBTQ+ Experience and Existence](   [''Lack Of'' blog]( [''Beyond the Rainbow'' blog]( [''From Church Pews to Softball Fields'' blog]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. If you’re an LGBTQIA+ individual who is interested in sharing your story with others, our blog is always open for submissions. Your voice and lived experience matter. For consideration, please submit a 500-900 word piece (no PDFs) to blog@twloha.com. Please note this is a volunteer opportunity. [It's OK to reach out for help.]( Creating a safety plan for yourself includes identifying LGBTQIA+-friendly crisis lines, local safe spaces, and the people in your life who can create an affirming environment for you. Our FIND HELP Tool has LGBTQIA+ specific resources because you deserve care that looks like, works for, and understands you. It does exist. [EXPLORE YOUR RESOURCES]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. If you’re an LGBTQIA+ individual who is interested in sharing your story with others, our blog is always open for submissions. Your voice and lived experience matter. For consideration, please submit a 500-900 word piece (no PDFs) to [blog@twloha.com.](mailto:blog@twloha.com) Please note this is a volunteer opportunity. [It's OK to reach out for help.]( Creating a safety plan for yourself includes identifying LGBTQIA+-friendly crisis lines, local safe spaces, and the people in your life who can create an affirming environment for you. Our FIND HELP Tool has LGBTQIA+ specific resources because you deserve care that looks like, works for, and understands you. It does exist. [EXPLORE THE RESOURCES]( [Hope is real. Help is real. Your story is important. ]( [facebook]( [twitter]( [YouTube]( [instagram]( [TikTok](tiktok.com/@twloha) ☰✕ [GET INVOLVED]( HELP]( PO Box 2203, Melbourne, FL 32902, USA [Help is real. Hope is real.]( [facebook]( [twitter]( [instagram]( [TikTok](tiktok.com/@twloha) ☰✕ [GET INVOLVED]( HELP]( PO Box 2203, Melbourne, FL 32902, USA You received this email from TWLOHA. If you would like to unsubscribe, [click here](.