LGBTQIA+ youth are a vibrant and essential part of our society. They embody resilience, courage, and authenticity, and despite facing numerous challenges, they continue to shape history, break barriers, and foster inclusivity within their communities. This essay aims to delve deeper into the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth, the importance of education, and the various ways we can support them.
Understanding LGBTQIA+ Youth
LGBTQIA+ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, they are placed at a higher risk because of the mistreatment and stigmatization they face in society.
According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQIA+ Young People, 39% of LGBTQIA+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary youth. More than 1 in 10 (12%) LGBTQIA+ young people attempted suicide in the past year. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for support and understanding.
In addition to these challenges, LGBTQIA+ youth often face marginalization, isolation, exclusion, and bullying, which create social stress. Lack of access to understanding adults, safe places, and change room facilities creates a psychological burden. Furthermore, LGBTQIA+ youth are coming out at younger ages now, which can be a complex event in their lives. Whether or not LGBTQIA+ youth have access to positive, safe support systems can play a direct role in that young person’s positive or negative mental health outcomes, including suicide risk.
The survey also found that LGBTQIA+ youth of color reported higher rates than White peers. More than half (54%) of transgender and nonbinary young people found their school to be gender-affirming, and those who did reported lower rates of attempting suicide. Nearly half (49%) of LGBTQIA+ young people ages 13-17 experienced bullying in the past year, and those who did reported significantly higher rates of attempting suicide in the past year than those who did not experience bullying.
Education and Awareness
Education plays a pivotal role in fostering understanding and acceptance. Inclusive curricula that encompass LGBTQIA+ history, culture, and people create safer learning environments for all youth and lead to better educational outcomes.
However, according to a report by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in 2019, only 19.4% of schools taught positive representations of LGBTQIA+ history, culture, and people to youth. Furthermore, 17% of schools taught negative representations, which reinforced negative stereotypes. Therefore, it’s essential to advocate for gender- and sexuality-affirming support at schools. This includes training for teachers and staff, comprehensive sex education, and policies that protect LGBTQIA+ students from discrimination and bullying.
By learning the history of the LGBTQIA+ community, we can gain a fuller, better-rounded understanding of the past and of the struggles that a historically marginalized community has had. This expands our worldview, our sense of community, and our ability to have empathy and understanding for others.
According to a 2024 report from the Pew Research Center, 38% of teens say they feel comfortable when topics related to racism or racial inequality come up in class (among those who say these topics have come up). A smaller share (29%) say they feel comfortable when topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity come up.
Trailblazers and Role Models
LGBTQIA+ youth need role models who reflect their experiences. Figures like Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent
gay liberation activist, provide inspiration and hope. She co-founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) with Sylvia Rivera, providing shelter and community for homeless and transgender individuals. Their work paved the way for future generations and highlighted the importance of community support.
In addition to historical figures, many contemporary role models are making significant contributions to society and advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Bayard Rustin, a gay adviser to Martin Luther King Jr., organized the 1963 March on Washington, a benchmark of peaceful protesting.
Harvey Milk won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, becoming the first openly gay elected official in California and one of the first in the country.
Tammy Baldwin is a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin and is the first openly gay person elected to the U.S. Senate.
Pete Buttigieg is the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former mayor of South Bend, Indiana. He was the first openly gay person to run for the Democratic nomination for President.
Laverne Cox is an actress and LGBTQIA+ advocate, known for her role in the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” She is the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.
These individuals have used their platforms to create visibility and take action, profoundly impacting the world and paving the way for future generations to reach equality for all.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth
Support for LGBTQIA+ youth can take many forms. Welcoming friends or partners who are LGBTQIA+, having respectful conversations about their identity, using the correct name and pronouns, and supporting their gender expression are all ways to show support. Additionally, organizations like the Rainbow Youth Project and The Trevor Project provide mental health services, suicide prevention, and intervention for LGBTQIA+ youth across the United States. These resources are invaluable and can make a significant difference in the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth.
Supportive actions can also include advocating for gender- and sexuality-affirming support at their school, introducing them to LGBTQIA+ friendly social spaces, and encouraging connections. Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) provide safe environments for LGBTQIA+ youth, significantly reducing the risk of depression and increasing well-being.
Advocacy and Activism
LGBTQIA+ youth have been instrumental in advocating for inclusive policies and legislation that protect their rights. They have been at the forefront of many pivotal moments in history. Advocacy and activism are powerful tools for change and are ways we can support LGBTQIA+ youth. By standing with them in their fight for equality, we can help create a world where everyone is accepted and valued for who they are.
Organizations like the Equality Federation accelerate advocacy in the LGBTQIA+ community, working collaboratively on critical non-partisan issues—from advancing workplace fairness and family recognition to defeating anti-transgender bills and HIV criminalization laws—that affect how LGBTQIA+ people experience the world from cradle to grave.
In conclusion, the journey of LGBTQIA+ youth is a testament to their resilience and courage. Their stories remind us of the importance of acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity. As we celebrate Pride, let us honor their journey, acknowledge their struggles, and celebrate their achievements. Let us strive to create a world where all LGBTQIA+ youth feel safe, accepted, and loved exactly as they are. Their experiences and contributions enrich our society, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the support and acceptance they deserve. As we move forward, let’s continue to learn, grow, and advocate for a more inclusive world.
*Please note that while this essay includes the most recent data available, the situation for LGBTQIA+ youth can vary greatly depending on their location, personal circumstances, and the support they receive. It’s always a good idea to look for the most recent data and research when discussing these issues. For the most current graphs and detailed information, I recommend visiting the websites of organizations such as The Trevor Project.
Extras:
The resources highlighted can provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of how to support LGBTQIA+ youth. They serve as invaluable tools for gaining insights into the experiences and challenges that LGBTQIA+ youth encounter, and they guide us in our efforts to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for them. The following resources offer additional information on the subject of LGBTQIA+ youth:
The Trevor Project Resource Center: This resource center offers a wealth of information on topics such as sexual orientation, mental health, gender identity, and community resources. It also provides resources for talking about suicide and diversity among LGBTQIA+ young people.
Supporting LGBTQIA Youth Resource List by Making Caring Common: This resource list by Making Caring Common, a project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, provides a sample of resources and links to websites for teachers and their students.
Creating Safe Schools for LGBTQ+ Youth by CDC: The CDC provides resources for creating safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth.
9 Strategies to Support LGBTQ+ Youth from a Youth Psychologist: This article provides strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ youth, with links to additional resources.
Mental Health Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth: This page provides resources to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth.
Books:
Videos:
Interviews:
“More than just risk: LGBTQIA+ young people use social media to sustain and make sense of family relationships” by The Conversation11
“LGBTQI+ Youth and Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies” by Springer13
“The Trevor Project: 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People” by The Trevor Project14
TV Shows:
Movies:
Certainly, here are some documentaries that provide more information about LGBTQIA+ youth:
“State of Pride” (2019): Host Raymond Braun visits the communities of three U.S. cities — Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Tuscaloosa, Ala. — to speak with LGBTQ Americans about what pride means to them today1.
“The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson” (2017): This documentary explores the little-investigated death of transgender activist and drag performer Marsha P. Johnson while celebrating her legacy as a pioneer of the LGBTQ rights movement1.
“Kiki” (2016): In Kiki, New York City’s present-day drag ball scene continues many of the subjects and themes explored in Paris Is Burning, with today’s youth taking center-stage1.
“Call Her Ganda”: This documentary follows the brutal murder of a Filipina trans woman by a U.S. Marine, and the political uprising it inspired2.
“Transhood”: Filmed over five years in Kansas City, this documentary follows four transgender kids – beginning at ages 4, 7, 12, and 15 – as they redefine "coming of age"2.
“Indianara”: The documentary follows the revolutionary leader of a trans activist group in Brazil2.
“Disclosure: Trans Lives On Screen”: This documentary provides an in-depth look at Hollywood’s depiction of transgender people and the impact of their stories on transgender lives and American culture2.
These documentaries offer a wealth of information and insight into the experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly youth, and the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance2. They can be found on various streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, and others12.
Sources and References:
Five Trailblazers You Should Know: Pride Edition | National Museum of African American History and Culture (si.edu)
LGBTQ+ portrayal in the media: Are young people seeing themselves represented? | Action For Children
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