June is Pride Month, which means it’s a month where we celebrate members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer+ community (LGBTQ+). This community represents about 10% of the population and the members of the community range in diversity from race, age, religion, etc. Unfortunately, members of this community face challenges that are different from their heterosexual peers. Members of the LGBTQ+ community suffer from mental illness at a higher rate than heterosexuals. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are 2.5x more likely to develop depression and anxiety disorder than the rest of the population. Transgender individuals experience depression and anxiety at an even higher rate; they’re 4x more likely to experience depression and anxiety. According to the Trevor Project, a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth, 39% of young queer people seriously considered attempting suicide in the last year and 12% attempted suicide. Unfortunately, we live in a society of judgement and prejudice, so members of the LGBTQ+ community experience mental illness at a higher rate due to the stigma and discrimination. An experience that members of the LGBTQ+ community have to face is this idea of “coming out.” Coming out is a huge deal in the community. It’s when you finally express to peers and/or family about your true identity. In the community, when a person “comes out,” it is often celebrated; however; some people don’t feel the same way and because of that, they reject the identity of the queer person. That rejection can bring about feelings of depression and anxiety. From NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), “according to a 2013 survey, 40% of LGBT adults have experienced rejection from a family member or a close friend. A 2019 school climate survey showed that 86% of LGBTQ+ youth reported being harassed or assaulted at school, which can significantly impact their mental health. And a 2022 report from The Trevor Project found that just 37% of LGBTQ youth identified their home as an LGBTQ-affirming space.” Experiencing homophobia, transphobia, or bullying can be very traumatic and unfortunately, LGBTQ+ members are the most targeted regarding hate crimes. Such discrimination can contribute to a significantly heightened risk for PTSD among individuals in the LGBTQ+ community compared to those who identify as heterosexual and cisgender. We as a society need to do better with acceptance and defeating the stigma around the queer community, so the world can be a much happier and safer place for everyone.
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