For many members of the LGBTQ+ communities, it takes real courage to live openly and authentically. National Coming Out Day is celebrated on October 11th each year as a way to support and acknowledge this journey. As Steve Fund mental health expert Dr. David Rivera reminds us, it’s “a day of self-expression, courage, and solidarity” — but also a day that can stir complex emotions.
Identity and Community
Our identities are multifaceted, shaped by ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, class, national origin, and more. LGBTQ+ youth who are also under-resourced can face bias at the intersection of their identities, which can increase risks for alienation, impostor phenomenon, chronic stress, and isolation — all of which can harm mental and physical health.
Some people may encounter insensitive remarks about their background within LGBTQ+ spaces and homophobia or transphobia in their communities. This can result in people experiencing a lack of belonging or acceptance in the groups with which they feel most strongly identified.
A look at the numbers
The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health captured responses from nearly 34,000 youth ages 13 to 24, nearly half of whom were LGBTQ+ youth and young people from underserved and under-resourced communities. The survey found alarmingly high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, with troubling upward trends over the last three years.
Support makes a measurable difference. Among LGBTQ+ students who attempted suicide in the past year, 16% came from non-affirming homes versus 10% from affirming ones. For transgender and nonbinary students, the difference was 20% vs. 10%. The survey shows that affirmation from family and community can save lives.
What does support look like?
LGBTQ+ young people identified five behaviors from parents and caregivers that made them feel supported:
- Welcoming their LGBTQ friends or partners (62%)
- Talking respectfully about their identity (48%)
- Using correct name and pronouns (47%)
- Supporting their gender expression (45%)
- Educating themselves about LGBTQ issues (35%)
The survey also highlighted the protective role of joy. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore what brings their young person joy and actively nurture those experiences. Living in an accepting community is equally protective — youth in supportive environments reported significantly fewer suicide attempts.
The Takeaway
LGBTQ+ youth, especially those from underserved and under-resourced communities, can face significant risks for depression and suicide. Parents, caregivers, and communities play a crucial role in providing protection, affirmation, and hope.
Questions for reflection:
- What messages about LGBTQ+ people exist in your community, and how do they affect your child?
- How do your personal beliefs about gender and sexuality serve or harm your child’s well-being?
- How do you respond to anti-LGBTQ+ language in your spaces?
- Are there harmful communities you may need to leave?
- How might shifting your perspective benefit both you and your child?
Additional Resources
- Recognizing the Signs Your Young Person Needs Support in Stressful Times
- Supporting Your Teen Experiencing Mental Health Challenges
- If Self-Harm is Possible, Be Proactive
- Keeping Young Women Safe from Self-Harm
- A Guide for Parents: Helping your teen balance academics and mental health
- A Guide for Parents & College Students: Navigating College Campus Support Systems
- Stress-Relieving Exercise: Give yourself a few minutes of calm by following your breath
- Parents Under Pressure: The U.S. Surgeon General Advisory on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents
