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.