Pride Month is a Call to Action for All of Us to Support LBGTQI+ Youth

Pride Month is a Call to Action for All of Us to Support LBGTQI+ Youth

June is Pride Month. In his proclamation, President Joe Biden said that Pride Month “is a reminder that we still have generational work to do to ensure that everyone enjoys the full promise of equity, dignity, protection and freedom.”

At Brandywine Counseling and Community Services (BCCS), Pride Month is also a reminder that the LGBTQI+ community – especially youth – are at increased risk of suicide; mental health disorders including PTSD, depression and anxiety; and substance abuse. We are acutely aware of that through the programs and services we provide.

Eliminating the elevated risk factors

As behavioral health providers, we offer treatment. But as a community, we can assist in  prevention by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion. According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse, “People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning (LGBTQ) often face social stigma, discrimination and other challenges not encountered by people who identify as heterosexual. They also face a greater risk of harassment and violence. As a result of these and other stressors, sexual minorities are at increased risk for various behavioral health issues.”

This is especially true for youth. The Trevor Project 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that:

• 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year,
• 73% reported symptoms of anxiety, and
• 58% reported symptoms of depression.

The Human Rights Commission’s report, Growing Up LGBT in America, states that LGBTQI+ youth are two times more likely than their peers to experiment with alcohol and drugs. That corresponds to the fact that they are twice as likely to have suffered verbal or physical abuse at school. 

Understanding and tolerance is the number-one concern for LGBTQI+ youth, compared to grades and academics for their non-LGBTQI+ peers; nine in 10 say they hear negative comments about being LGBTQI+.

Creating a more accepting community

The statistics point to a clear conclusion. If we want to reduce the risk of behavioral health issues among sexual minority youth, we must actively work to create a more accepting community.  

If you or someone you know needs help, BCCS has been a trusted source of mental health and substance abuse treatment for more than 25 years.

By calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and pressing the number 3, LGBTQI+ youth can speak to counselors who have been specifically trained to support them.