Friend, did you know Black LGBTQ young people are more at risk for negative experiences and poor mental health compared to their non-Black LGBTQ peers?

The LGBTQ community faces numerous challenges and obstacles, but findings from the 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health show Black LGBTQ young people, who hold multiple marginalized identities, are particularly vulnerable to discrimination, bullying, and mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation.

Black LGBTQ young people are confronted with higher rates of mental health challenges due to additional risk factors including racial discrimination, physical threat or harm, experiencing homelessness, and other systematic barriers to their well-being that come with institutionalized racism.

We have the power to show up for Black LGBTQ young people and confront the systematic barriers to their mental health by supporting and empowering them through providing safe spaces to connect and build community, advocating for policies and programs that empower Black LGBTQ voices, and promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusivity that takes a personalized approach to mental health and well-being.

High-impact protective factors:

• Black transgender and nonbinary youth who reported high family support had lower rates of attempted suicide
• Creating access and reducing barriers to LGBTQ-affirming spaces can have a significant impact on reducing attempted suicide by Black LGBTQ youth

🎬 Have you seen our new documentary Learn with Love?

Have you seen Learn with Love? In our new documentary short film, we asked three transgender young people and the supportive adults in their lives to share their stories of growth, acceptance, and the unique journeys they have experienced. We hope this documentary’s release cultivates awareness and acceptance among the public, furthering the belief that every person deserves love and support.

🔦 Making Brave Spaces for Black LGBTQ Young People

We sat down with Jae Rice (he/him), Interim CEO & Director of Communications at the Brave Space Alliance, to discuss the ways that they are making a positive and profound impact on Chicago’s Black LGBTQ community, and how others can move beyond allyship to become champions for Black LGBTQ young people.

📊 Learn More: LGBTQ Youth and Body Dissatisfaction

In our January research brief on body dissatisfaction, nearly 9 in 10 LGBTQ young people reported being dissatisfied with their body. Body dissatisfaction, which can be defined as having negative attitudes and evaluations about one’s body, were reported alongside higher rates of mental health challenges and suicidal consideration compared to LGBTQ young people who reported body satisfaction.

🌟 Fundraise for Trevor

Join us this March for our 25-Minute Strut Your Strength Facebook Challenge to celebrate Trevor’s 25th Anniversary. This virtual fundraising challenge is an opportunity for you to complete 25 minutes of daily activity of whatever you’re most passionate about – whether it’s walking, biking, painting, or volunteering – and raise funds for The Trevor Project. Check out our blog!

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.