The well-being of LGBTQ+ young people suffers not because of who they are but due to mistreatment and stigmatization, a leading suicide-prevention organization contends.
The Trevor Project has released a state-by-state analysis of the mental health of LGBTQ+ teens and young adults. The survey of 18,000 LGBTQ+ young people ages 13 to 24 examines suicide risk, access to care, discrimination, bullying and the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ policies, among other factors.
The Trump administration has impacted support and awareness for LGBTQ+ students across colleges and universities. A recent Dear Colleague letter has demanded institutions to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion programs, which usually house support for LGBTQ students. GOP lawmakers across Florida, Texas and Iowa have also targeted academic programs related to gender studies.
Young people made the following statements about where they live:
I live in a community that is accepting of LGBTQ+ young people.
- Arkansas: 36%
- Hawaii: 88%
- Idaho: 31%
- Puerto Rico: 60%
- Washington, D.C.: 97%
I or my family have considered leaving for another state because of LGBTQ-related topics politics and laws.
- Connecticut: 19%
- Kentucky: 56%
- Montana: 53%
- Texas: 58%
- West Virginia: 46%
Percentage of LGBTQ+ youth who have seriously considered suicide in the past year:
- Arizona: 39%
- Colorado: 41%
- Louisiana: 32%
- Michigan: 37%
- Vermont: 44%
LGBTQ+ young people were physically threatened or harmed:
- Alaska: 16%
- New York: 22%
- Rhode Island: 17%
- South Carolina: 25%
- Wyoming: 29%
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LGBTQ+ youth who reported experiencing symptoms of depression:
- Alabama: 56%
- Kansas: 49%
- Maryland: 48%
- Tennessee: 57%
- Utah: 53%
LGBTQ+ young people who wanted and received mental health care:
- Florida: 44%
- Massachusetts: 58%
- Mississippi: 41%
- New Jersey: 55%
- Wisconsin: 53%
