GLBTQ Youth and Mental Health

By Lara Crutsinger-Perry, Interim Executive Director
National Youth Advocacy Coalition - May 2007

While lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth have gained significant ground over the past decade, grave threats to your health and safety remain.
You often suffer, not because you are GLBTQ, but due to societal homophobia and discrimination; and because as adults we are not fulfilling our responsibilities—ensuring that every youth, of every race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation, grows up in a safe environment, a healthy environment, an environment that nurtures and supports your passions, hopes and dreams.
Unique stressors and risks may take a toll on the mental health of GLBTQ young people. Some of these things include: the coming out process; a lack of GLBTQ specific support structures and networks (family, friends, social, etc.) which can make understanding your orientation or gender difficult; and the overwhelming anxiety that many of you feel as you navigate the complex feelings and emotions you may experience as you struggle to understand your attractions for someone of the same sex.

Unfortunately, many of you also face rejection from parents, families, and friends after coming out or “being discovered.” Many of you will leave home as a result or be forced into “alternative” living arrangements (e.g. with a friend, lover, etc.) Almost 40% of homeless youth in major U.S. cities are on the streets because of conflicts related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some of you will also experience or be threatened with verbal or physical abuse related to your sexuality. We need to make it safe for you to be who you are.

Legal and illegal substances are often used by youth as a coping mechanism to deal with homophobia, discrimination, and concerns about your safety. GLBTQ youth are twice as likely to use alcohol, three times more likely to use marijuana, and eight times more likely to use crack/cocaine. Of course, using these substances can make the situation much worse.

Self-acceptance and self-esteem are critical issues for all young people, but they can be particularly important for GLBTQ young people, especially if you are struggling with gender issues.

With all of these factors in play, it is not surprising that GLBTQ young people are at an increased risk for depression and other serious mental health issues. It will help if you can find safe people who you can trust to help you as you’re figuring things out.
The National Youth Advocacy Coalition is committed to ending the stigma associated with being a GLBTQ adolescent, and by working with Advocates for Youth, is hopeful that new resources and strategies can be developed to support you through the process of understanding yourself.

For more information about NYAC or its GLBTQ youth health initiatives, please visit www.nyacyouth.org or call 202.319.7596 x10.