*This content has been updated from previous article on December 16, 2020.
The LGBTQ+ community has more rights today than ever before, but those rights did not come without a lot of hard work. There have been countless challenges that this group has had to overcome as they have fought for their rights and acceptance into modern day society. Some states have had more success than others in helping the LGBTQ+ community positively progress. Despite some of the great strides they have accomplished, the LGBTQ+ community continues to struggle, specifically the youth community. This vulnerable group in particular faces daily challenges in mental health disorders and suicide. In fact, The Trevor Report recently found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.
While the issues of the LGBTQ+ community can be very polarizing for people with opposing personal, spiritual, or religious beliefs, it’s imperative to keep in mind that it’s up to all adults in our society to protect adolescents and young adults. That must include LGBTQ+ youth. Right now, these young people are in the midst of a crisis. 60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it. The adults in their lives hold the key to the solution.
Helping the LGBTQ+ youth can be as simple as taking an interest in understanding the mental health risks they face. Consider what causes these issues, and how you can effectively protect vulnerable people in your community.