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The LGBTQ+ Community
Being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer is an inherent and natural part of a person’s identity defined by one’s sexual orientation and gender expression. Being LGBTQ+ is not a mental health challenge. Stigma and prejudice as well as traumas like harassment, family rejection, and workplace discrimination, however, can present unique mental health challenges to the LGBTQ+ community. You are not alone, and everyone deserves a safe space to be their true selves. It’s Up to Us has resources that can help. Scroll for more.
5.6% of Americans, over 11 million people, identify as LGBTQ+.28
Lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults are more than twice as likely to experience mental health challenges, often due to political, social, and economic discrimination.29
Transgender adults are nearly four times as likely to experience a mental health challenge, due to stressors such as discrimination, traumatic experiences, and a lack of equal human rights when compared to cisgender adults.30
Stress factors like family rejection and discrimination can take a toll on youth. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are more than twice as likely to say they feel persistent sadness or hopelessness.31
39% of LGBTQ+ people reported having had a mental health challenge in the past year.
Resources That Help
People in the LGBTQ+ community may have more hurdles to caring for their mental health. There are people who understand as well as a range of resources specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ challenges.
Use Our Resource Tool The Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240 provides support 24/7. Experienced counselors can answer questions about mental health and substance use, provide referrals, offer support and crisis intervention. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
& Substance Use Disorders
27
Gallup 2021
28
Sexual Orientation and Estimates of Adult Substance Use and
Mental Health: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug
Use and Health, SAMHSA, October 2016
29
Sexual Orientation and Estimates of Adult Substance Use and
Mental Health: Results from the 2015 National Survey on Drug
Use and Health, SAMHSA, October 2016
30
Wanta, Jonathon W., et al, Mental Health Diagnoses Among
Transgender Patients in the Clinical Setting: An All-Payer
Electronic Health Record Study, Transgender Health Volume
4.1, 2019 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2019.0029
31
31CDC YRBS Survey, Data Summary and Trends Report, 2007-2017
