Things Are Changing, But LGBTQ Youth Still Face a Stigma
Public acceptance of LGBTQ identityhas risen steadily in dozens of countries around the worldsince 1980. Meanwhile, since 2012, the year marriage equality became law, the percentage of American adults identifying as LGBTQ has risen from 3.5% to 4.5%. Increasing acceptance may be partly to thank for this rise: Today,79% of Americanssupport equal legal rights for LGBTQ people, while in 2006, only 51% of Americans said that LGBTQ peopleshould be accepted.
Familial acceptance isn’t a guarantee
This acceptance doesn’t always translate to our experiences in real life, and stigma still stings. A significant portion of Americans, 32%, still say they’d be uncomfortable having a queer family member, 36% would be uncomfortable seeing a queer couple holding hands, and 37% would be uncomfortable with their child having a lesson on LGBTQ history in school. If just learning about our history makes someone uncomfortable, that’s not a very deep kind of acceptance!
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Facing threats of bullying and violence
Meanwhile, LGBTQ youth are more likely to face homelessness,bullying, and interpersonal violence. LGBTQ youth are twice as likely to be bullied than their straight peers, and 18% of LGBTQ youth — more than three times their straight peers —have experienced rape. Women of all sexual orientations face especially high levels of sexual violence and bisexual girls are particularly at risk.Half of those who experience sexual violenceare victimized before the age of 17. Partly as a result of family stigma, LGBTQ youth also havea 120% higher risk of homelessnessthan straight teens.
Increased risk for mental illness
As a result, LGBTQ teens are at a higher risk of mental illness, includingdepression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Of LGBTQ teens, 30%have attempted suicide, as compared to 10% of their straight peers. Transgender youth face a particularly high level of stigma, and suffer greater mental health risk as a result. Almost half, 49%, of transfeminine people (people assigned male at birth who identify as feminine) and 62% of transmasculine people (people assigned female at birth who identify as masculine) experience depression.
Ways LGBTQ Teens Can Get Help
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project(1-866-488-7386):The Trevor Project is one of the first organizations to offer a lifeline specifically for LGBTQ youth and their advocates are there to help. They specialize in young LGBTQ people’s mental health, and they’re available 24/7.They’re a great resource if you need help or just want to talk about your life.
LGBT National Youth Talkline
LGBT National Youth Talkline(1-800-246-7743):The Talkline is open daily, with trained peer counselors ready to talk about mental health, dating, coming out, sexual health, or anything you need. They also maintainan LGBT youth resource center, where you can connect to support in your area. This talkline is not open 24/7, so if you need immediate help, it’s a good idea to connect to one of the other resources.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline(1-800-273-8255):The Lifeline is a free, anonymous, 24/7 helpline and chat service for anyone struggling with issues related to suicide. The Lifeline has counselors specifically trained to be sensitive to LGBTQ issues. If you have suicidal thoughts, know someone at risk, or just want to talk about the issue, reach out. This resource is for you.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline
National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline(800-950-NAMI):NAMI offers a daily hotline that you can call to talk about mental health and to find resources in your area. The hotline is only open weekdays, so if you have a more immediate need, it’s a good idea to reach out to a 24/7 resources like The Trevor Project.
Love is Respect
Love is Respect(1-866-331-9474):LGBTQ teens experience dating violence, too, and it’s never alright. Many young LGBTQ people aren’t out to their families or communities, and many anti-violence organizations lack expertise in helping LGBTQ people. Because of these circumstances it can be even harder to get help. Love is Respect has resources for LGBTQ young peopleto learn about healthy relationshipsand their counselors are available 24/7 to offer education, support, or to talk through your options.
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network(800-656-4673):LGBTQ youth are at an especially high risk of sexual violence. Sexual violence is a difficult experience for any survivor, but it can be especially hard for young LGBTQ people who may not have support. Remember, your consentalwaysmatters, and anyone who violates your consent — whatever their gender or sexual orientation — is in the wrong. If you’ve experienced sexual violence, or you simply want to talk, you can call RAINN’s hotline anytime.
National Runaway Safeline
National Runaway Safeline(1-800-RUNAWAY):The Safeline is available for all youth who feel unsafe at home, are considering running away from home, or have run away. You can call or message 24/7 if you’re being bullied, abused, need help finding shelter support, or just need to talk.
Traveling Bravely Toward a Better Life
Being LGBTQ can be hard! It’s scary to realize that your life path may be different than those around you and face stigma for the bravery of living the way you need and want. While we’ve come far, we still have a long way to go before LGBTQ people can live lives of equal dignity, safety, and material security.But your LGBTQ identity is also a great strength. It can help you see the world in a different and special way, and can allow you to love amazing people. It makes you a member of a beautiful, welcoming community of people from across the world and across history who have dared to live according to their truth. Remember, whether it’s your high school friends eating lunch together in the library, or any of the organizations listed in this article, you’re never, ever alone.
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