Although Pride Month is almost over, the importance of building community support and inclusive environments for LGBT+ people is ongoing. Pride Month is celebrated each June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising (also called the Stonewall Riots), which took place in 1969 in Manhattan. The Stonewall Riots marked a major turning point for gay rights, paving the way for the gay liberation movement and the fight for LGBTQIA rights in the United States.
Great strides have been made in the last 53 years. However, there is still significant prejudice, discrimination, and denial of human rights faced by LGBTQIA people. These challenges contribute to widespread mental health issues within the community. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at critical mental health risk factors as well as community resources that help combat these challenges.
LGBT+ Mental Health by the Numbers
The full range of individuals within the queer community is not frequently included in large-scale mental health studies. However, trends for different portions of this population indicate significant mental health risks for the community as a whole. For example, transgender individuals are almost four times more likely to experience a mental health condition than cisgender individuals. Moreover, 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide* in their lifetime. That figure is less than 5% for the general population. Here’s a closer look at some other statistics showcasing the strong need for community support for LGBTQ+ people:
- LGBTQIA people have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness due to rejection from family members and loved ones. 40% of LGBT adults have experienced rejection from a family member or friend.
- 45% of LGBT+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. The highest rates of attempted suicide are among LGBT+ youth of color. Those who felt higher social support from their families reported suicidal thoughts at half the rate of those with low or moderate support at home.
- Fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming.
- LGBT+ youth are more than twice as likely to report feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and anxiety than their heterosexual peers.
Factors Influencing Mental Health in the LGBT+ Community
While the social climate has largely shifted towards acceptance of LGBT+ people, acceptance is not universal. There are still many ways in which this community faces regular challenges to their mental and physical wellbeing. LGBTQIA people are among the most targeted groups for hate crimes in the United States, and bullying is incredibly common—86% of LGBT+ youth reported being harassed or assaulted at school. Additionally, individuals may face rejection much closer to home from family members, close friends, co-workers, or faith communities.
Compounding these factors is limited access to qualified mental health care. Finding an inclusive provider can be a challenge, and some youth may struggle to access any level of care at all. According to The Trevor Project, 60% of LGBT+ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it. However, help is out there. There are several search engines, including one through Psychology Today, that can help you filter providers based on their experience with LGBT+ patients. You may also need to screen several providers before finding one who is a good fit. A few helpful questions to ask at your first appointment with a new mental health provider include:
- What experience do you have working with individuals of ______ identity or sexual orientation?
- Do you have any credentials or certifications that relate specifically to working with LGBTQIA individuals?
- Do you provide conversion therapy or reparative therapy? (Avoid any providers advocating for these types of therapy.)
Finding Local Support in the LGBT+ Community
In Alabama and throughout the U.S. there are several organizations that strive to provide community outreach, resources, and social support for LGBTQIA individuals.
- Central Alabama Pride, Inc. is a non-profit organization that hosts annual Pride events and offers support for HIV/AIDS service organizations and other advocacy groups.
- Magic City Acceptance Center in Birmingham is a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA people and allies offering outreach, consultation, and direct services for youth and adults in the community.
- AIDS Alabama provides a range of services to help people in the LGBTQIA community, including those living with HIV/AIDS. They offer a wide range of housing and homelessness prevention programs, including LGBT+ Youth Housing.
Here at Integrated Behavioral Health, we strive to provide supportive, inclusive mental health services for patients of all ages and backgrounds. With seven clinic locations throughout Alabama, we can help you find the care you need close to home. Telehealth visits are also available. Call us at 855-422-1618 or submit an appointment request on our website to get started with us.
*The Trevor Project provides immediate support via text, live chat, or phone call if you are considering suicide or self-harm. You can connect with a crisis counselor 24/7/365. Help is 100% free and confidential.