LGBTQ+ Information and Resources
Click here to jump to resources.
Introduction and Statistics
The LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Plus) community represents a broad set of identities and expressions of gender and sexual orientation, including individuals who are diverse in terms of ethnicity and race, socioeconomic class, religion, and nationality. LGBTQ people suffer disproportionate rates of mental health conditions, both in youth and adulthood, due to a variety of intersecting factors. These rates are particularly high for depression and anxiety disorders. LGBTQ adults are over twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition, and transgender individuals are almost four times as likely as cisgender individuals (those whose gender identity corresponds with sex assigned at birth) to experience a mental health condition.
LGBTQ+ Youth
Mental health issues are particularly rampant in LGBTQ youth. The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that rates of suicidal thoughts had increased over the past three years in LGBTQ youth, particularly BIPOC youth. The survey found that 45% percent of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, but those with high social support from their families and communities attempted suicide at less than 50% the rate of those who felt low/moderate support. Fewer than 1 in 3 transgender and nonbinary youth found their home to be gender-affirming. LGBTQ youth who found their school and community to be identity-affirming and supportive reported significantly lower rates of suicide attempts. Importantly, 60% of LGBTQ youth who sought mental health care in the past year were not able to access it. This inability to access care demonstrates the necessity of advocacy organizations like CAN, who can assist at-risk individuals in accessing lifesaving care.
Trauma and Lack of Identity-Affirming Spaces
The LGBTQ+ community faces many forms of discrimination, including homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and other identity-based oppression. So, what does discrimination look like? Discrimination can show up as labeling, stereotyping, denial of opportunities or access to services, and physical and emotional abuse. High rates of discrimination against LGBTQ individuals results in a significantly higher risk of PTSD compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals. Discrimination can be particularly harmful when it is perpetuated by members of one’s own family or community.
Many LGBTQ individuals experience trauma due to a lack of safety and acceptance at home, school, and the broader community. Forty percent of LGBTQ adults have experienced rejection from family or close friends, and 85% of LGBTQ youth have experienced harassment or assault at school. Just 37% of LGBTQ youth identify their homes as an LGBTQ-affirming space. There are well-documented links between lack of identity-affirming spaces for LGBTQ individuals and the development of mental health conditions and suicidal ideation. Trauma manifests in the body and the mind, often leading to chronic physical and mental health issues that can wreak havoc if they are not addressed.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a prominent concern in the LGBTQ+ community. Substances are sometimes used as a coping mechanism or form of self-medication, particularly when individuals are not able to access adequate professional help. LGBTQ+ individuals are twice as likely as heterosexual adults to have a substance abuse disorder, and transgender individuals are almost four times as likely as cisgender individuals to have a substance abuse disorder. LGBTQ high-school-age youth are also far more likely to engage in illicit drug use compared to their heterosexual peers. Approximately 6.7% of sexual minority adults in 2020 reported misuse of opioids in the past year, compared to 3.6% of the general population. Additionally, 21.8% of sexual minority adults in 2020 reported an alcohol use disorder, compared to 11.0% in the general population. Sexual minority adults also have higher rates of smoking and e-cigarette use. LGBTQ individuals with substance abuse disorders (SUDs) tend to have more severe disorders and are more likely to have comorbid psychiatric disorders, like depression and eating disorders.
Homelessness and Housing Instability
Homelessness is rampant among LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, particularly those who suffer rejection from their families or discrimination based on sexual or gender orientation. LGBTQ youth have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness than their peers, and this risk is particularly high among BIPOC individuals. Almost half (44%) of Native/Indigenous LGBTQ youth have experienced homelessness or housing instability, compared to 36% of multiracial LGBTQ youth, 27% of Latinx LGBTQ youth, 27% of White LGBTQ youth, 26% of Black LGBTQ youth, and 16% of Asian American/Pacific Islander youth. Overall, 28% of LGBTQ youth report experiencing homelessness or housing instability at some point during their lifetime, and those who did also had 2-4x greater odds of reporting depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide compared to those with stable housing. Homeless and housing instability are even higher for transgender and nonbinary youth, reported by 39% of transgender boys/men, 38% of transgender girls/women, and 35% of nonbinary youth (compared to 23% of cisgender LGBTQ youth). Sixteen percent of LGBTQ youth report experiencing homelessness because they had to run away from home, and more than half (55%) of these individuals did so due to mistreatment or fear of mistreatment.
LGBTQ youth who experience homelessness and/or housing instability have far greater rates of mental health challenges, with increased risk of depression, anxiety, self-harm, considering suicide, and attempting suicide. Of LGBTQ youth who reported past housing instability, 69% reported engaging in self-harm in the last year, 58% reported having seriously considered suicide in the last year, and 35% report attempting suicide in the last year. LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness also have higher rates of victimization, being in foster care, and food insecurity. These multifaceted challenges can result in chronic health and exacerbated mental health issues.
Inadequate Mental Health Care
Despite high rates of mental health challenges in the LGBTQ community, access to care is limited for many. The field of mental health care often approaches sexual and gender minorities as a homogeneous category, despite the vast differences in challenges faced by different individuals within the community. Additionally, race, socioeconomic status, ability, and a variety of other factors can mediate LGBTQ individuals’ ability to access proper care. Some providers are not culturally competent or are discriminatory towards the LGBTQ community, which can lead to a fear of disclosing sexual and gender identity. It is important that LGBTQ individuals have access to culturally competent, accepting mental health care providers who can meet their unique needs.
Seeking Professional Help
For those struggling with mental health disorders, professional support via medical or behavioral health care is often the best option. If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues, it is important to seek help from qualified professionals. We acknowledge that professional support is not always accessible, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals dealing with systemic barriers to care. Working with advocacy organizations like the Consumer Advocate Network can be extremely beneficial in accessing care. Feel free to contact us here at Consumer Advocate Network; any one of the Advocacy staff members or the office Resource Specialists will be available to assist you with getting connected to the right resources depending on your concerns.
-
The AGLP is a community of psychiatrists that educates and advocates on LGBTQ mental health issues. They offer educational sessions, advocacy resources, and referrals to LGBTQ-friendly psychiatrists.
Email: info@aglp.org
-
Crisis Text Line: Text LGBTQ to 741-741
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline: 1-888-688-5428
LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
LGBT National Senior Hotline: 1-888-234-7243
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
-
GLMA is the world’s oldest and largest association of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) and allied health professionals. GLMA works to fill gaps in LGBTQ+ specific health research, advocates for LGBTQ+ health equity, and educates health professionals on LGBTQ+ needs.
Email: info@glma.org
Phone: 833-456-2202
-
The It Gets Better Project works to remind LGBTQIA+ youth that there is hope and that no matter how things might be now, it does get better. The site offers resources and stories from people all over the world to encourage, uplift, and empower young people and to let them know that they are not alone.
Email: info@itgetsbetter.org or email via website
LGBTQ+ Resources
-
The LGBT National Help Center offers LGBTQIA+ peer support, supportive listening, answers to factual questions, and resources at the local, national, and international level. They operate hotlines, online chat programs, email services, and publicly accessible online databases of resources.
Administrative Phone: 415-355-0003
Email: help@LGBThotline.org
LGBT National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
LGBT National Coming Out Support Hotline: 1-888-688-5428
LGBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743
LGBT National Senior Hotline: 1-888-234-7243
-
The National Center for Transgender Equality offers resources for transgender individuals, including information on the right to access health care, self-help guides, in-depth information on trans issues and trans rights, and action centers.
Phone: 202-642-4542
Email: ncte@transequality.org
-
The National Runaway Safeline works to provide resources and assistance to young people who have run away from home. They also work to help those who feel unsafe in their home or who are thinking of running away. They can provide assistance with transportation, shelter, counseling, and returning home. Phone: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929)
Email via website
-
PFLAG was the first organization devoted to helping parents, families, and allies support LGBTQIA+ people. PFLAG’s network of hundreds of chapters and more than 325,000 members and supporters are helping create an equitable and inclusive world where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.
Email: love@pflag.org
Phone: 202-467-8180
-
Pride Counseling offers online therapy to members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. This service features counselors who not only specialize in helping people who are LGBTQIA+, they also have experience with a range of issues including stress, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, and interpersonal conflicts.
Email: contact@pridecounseling.com or email via website
-
The Pride Institute specializes in helping LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18 and older recover from substance use disorder, sexual health issues, and mental health conditions. They offer both residential and outpatient treatment programs for substance use and addiction. This treatment provider also offers a family therapy program, a sexual health program, mental health referrals, and telehealth options.
Phone: 888-408-1625
Email via website
-
Q Chat Space allows LGBTQIA+ teens to participate in online support groups that are professionally facilitated. All members are verified and the facilitators guide conversations and enforce group rules to ensure safety. The site also offers an option for Spanish-speaking LBGTQIA+ youth.
Phone: 954-765-6024
Email via website
-
-
The Trevor Project is an organization that seeks to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning young people. They provide five key programs: crisis services, peer support, research, public education, and advocacy.
Phone: 212-695-8650
Email different departments via website -
True Colors United implements innovative solutions to youth homelessness that focus on the unique experiences of LGBTQ young people. The organization believes in a world where every LGBTQ young person, wherever they live, is celebrated for being their authentic selves.
Phone: 212-461-4401
Email via website