April 24, 2020
For LGBTQ individuals, social distancing, quarantine, and isolation can feel especially – well – isolating.
As a medical student, I want to advocate on behalf of my LGBTQ peers who might benefit from mainstream recognition of these unique stressors and use this platform to share resources LGBTQ individuals and allies may not be familiar with yet.
The LGBTQ Report shows significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and low self-image in LGBTQ youth compared to their non-LGBTQ peers. As detailed in a recent report from The Trevor Project, the state of LGBTQ youth mental health is further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Feeling connected to the greater LGBTQ community has been shown to positively buffer against the negative impact of stigma, specifically related to depression and suicidality. Interacting with affirming peers also decreases the risk of depression and anxiety for LGBTQ youth who feel unsupported by their family.
Quarantining in an environment where LGBTQ youth don’t feel safe or accepted has a negative impact on self-esteem and mental health. In fact, as pointed out by The Trevor Project, 1/3 of LGBTQ youth feel accepted by their family, 1/3 feel rejected, and 1/3 choose not to share their identity until after they have moved out of the home.
According to research by the Human Rights Campaign, “only 24% of LGBTQ youth can ‘definitely’ be themselves as an LGBTQ person at home”. One teen’s response was, “I’m not out to my parents for safety reasons. If they found out I was gay, they would kick me out or force me into conversion therapy.” A trans teen wrote, “Despite how confident I feel in my gender identity, I’m afraid of being judged and mistreated because I am still in the early stages of transitioning, particularly because my parents don’t allow me to present as a female when it comes to dress and makeup.”
An estimated 1/3 of LGBTQ people wait until adulthood to “come out” to family. The report put forth by The Trevor Project explains, “specific to LGBTQ youth, oftentimes leaving home might be an adaptive way to cope with conflict and/or maltreatment at home.” When it comes to choosing whether or not to be “out”, the added stress of identity management for LGBTQ youth can have a negative impact on mental health. How one’s family acts is defining for all youth and is especially critical in development and growth in LGBTQ youth. When LGBTQ adolescents feel supported and accepted, research shows increased self-esteem and resilience, along with lower rates of depression, emotional distress, and substance abuse.
In a recent research brief, Human Rights Campaign president Alphonso David stated, “We are facing a global public health crisis, and as in all emergencies, the most marginalized are at increased risk…It is also critical to understand the challenges facing the LGBTQ young person who has been sent home from school to face family rejection.” Knowing this is the first step towards helping mitigate the potentially catastrophic impacts on LGBTQ youth. Included below is a list of resources tailored to Twin Cities LGBTQ teens and young adults and their allies. Please take the time to share the information in this post and the resources listed below across any social media platforms you use.
RESOURCES FOR LGBTQ TEENS, YOUNG ADULTS, AND THEIR ALLIES
If you or someone close to you is in crisis or an unsafe quarantine environment:
THE TREVOR PROJECT Get Help Now – confidential call, IM, or text with trained crisis counselor 24/7/365
TrevorLifeline: call 1-866-488-7386
TrevorText: text START to 678678
TrevorChat: access using a computer
TRANS LIFELINE: call 877-565-8860 or visit translifeline.org
CRISIS TEXT LINE: text HOME to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org
NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: call 1-800-799-7233
STATE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING NUMBERS: All States | Minnesota
Resources related to COVID-19:
OUTFRONT MINNESOTA COVID-19 Specific Resources
IT GETS BETTER PROJECT COVID-19 Resource List
Additional LGBTQ resources:
THE TREVOR PROJECT Trevor Support Center
THE TREVOR PROJECT TrevorSpace
IT GETS BETTER PROJECT Stories