As we honor Women's Equality Day, The Trevor Project is proud to celebrate the incredible contributions and experiences of LGBTQ+ girls and young women. This day marks a pivotal moment in our history, reminding us of the ongoing effort for equality and the vital role we all play in advocating for women's rights.

Today, we are excited to share our research brief, “Mental Health and Access to Care for LGBTQ+ Girls and Young Women” which sheds light on the mental health challenges and access to care for LGBTQ+ girls and young women. The findings are both eye-opening and crucial for understanding the unique experiences of this community.

Key Findings

Our research reveals that over half of LGBTQ+ girls and young women, approximately 52%, seriously considered suicide in the past year, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support. Despite this pressing need, only 23% of those who sought mental health care found it easy to access, pointing to significant barriers that must be addressed. However, the presence of supportive environments makes a substantial difference; LGBTQ+ girls and young women who had at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to attempt suicide.

These statistics are a powerful reminder of the importance of our collective efforts to create inclusive, affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth. As we celebrate Women's Equality Day, we encourage all supportive adults to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ girls and young women. Your support can make a life-saving difference.

How You Can Make A Difference

• Educate Yourself and Others: Share our research brief with your network to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ girls and young women.
• Be an Advocate: Use your voice to support policies and initiatives that promote equality and access to mental health care for LGBTQ+ youth. Sign up here to become an advocate with The Trevor Project.
• Create Safe Spaces: Whether at home, school, or in the community, ensure that the LGBTQ+ girls and young women in your life feel seen, heard, and valued.

Support from individuals like you enables The Trevor Project to continue our work to end LGBTQ+ youth suicide through our crisis services as well as the development of resources and guides like these to promote education and allyship.