EDUCATION & ACTION DURING COVID-19 SERIES

Supporting LGBTQ Youth

Even before the pandemic, LGBTQ youth were at greater risk for family rejection, homelessness, and discrimination.

  • According to The Trevor Project’s survey of more than 34,000 LGBTQ youth, only 68% disclosed their sexual orientation to their parents and 51% disclosed their gender identity.
  • Findings from a review of sexual minority literature finds that one-third of LGBTQ youth experience parental acceptance, one-third experience rejection, and one-third hide their identities for safety reasons.
  • In a study of white and Latinx LGB youth, those who reported high levels of parental rejection were eight times more likely to report attempting suicide and six times more likely to report high levels of depression. Transgender youth are also at a greater risk for attempted suicide, depression, and anxiety, according to a 2018 meta-analysis.
  • Nationally, 20% of youth experiencing homelessness identifies as LGBTQ, despite comprising 7–9% of the youth population.
  • LGBTQ students who attend schools with GSAs or have supportive teachers are more likely to thrive in schools, according to research by GLSEN. Without access to these supports, LGBTQ youth may be particularly isolated during the pandemic.

Resources

Take Action

  • Check-in with LGBTQ youth in your life and your community. Listen. Provide resources to build connectivity and community.
  • If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or suicidal, contact The Trevor Project’s TrevorLifeline 24/7 at 1–866–488–7386. Counseling is also available 24/7 via chat every day at thetrevorproject.org/help, or by texting START to 678–678.

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MAP is an independent, nonprofit think tank that provides rigorous research, insight and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all.

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Movement Advancement Project

MAP is an independent, nonprofit think tank that provides rigorous research, insight and communications that help speed equality and opportunity for all.