Democrats Push for Mental Health Support for LGBTQ+ Youth

Three queer Democratic members of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus on Thursday introduced legislation to improve mental health support for at-risk LGBTGQ+ youth. Illinois Rep. Eric Sorensen, Kansas Rep. Sharice Davids, and New York Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced The Pride in Mental Health Act.

The bill funds programs that develop mental health resources, training for those who care for others, bullying prevention programs, and more, according to a news release.

The measure seeks to protect at-risk young people by commissioning a report on mental health and support for queer and trans foster kids and those participating in other federal social services programs.

It also directs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to review and update its resource availability for LGBTQ+ people online.

“There is a mental health crisis among LGBTQI+ youth across the United States, and we need to do a better job supporting this vulnerable community,” Sorensen said. “I am proud to help introduce The Pride in Mental Health Act, which ensures that LGBTQI+ youth get the mental health care and resources they need so we can save lives.”

Davids echoed his message and expanded on the challenges young people face.

“Youth here in Kansas and across the country continue to struggle with mental health challenges, but we are failing many of our most vulnerable children on this issue,” Davids noted. “My Pride in Mental Health Act takes a comprehensive and data-driven approach to tackling the mental health crisis among youth in the LGBTQI+ community. To put it simply, by increasing access to mental health supports for our children and teens, we are saving lives.”

Torres pointed out the significantly disproportionate rate at which LGBTQ+ youth suffer mental health emergencies.

“According to the Trevor Project this year, nearly one in three LGBTQI+ youth say their mental health is poor most of the time or always due to hateful anti-LGBTQI+ policies and legislation,” Torres said. “This is both heartbreaking and a call to action. As someone who’s struggled with my own mental health much of my life and as the first openly gay Afro-Latino elected to Congress, I’m proud to co-lead the Pride in Mental Health Act to improve access to services for at-risk LGBTQI+ youth, who deserve safe and affirming environments and resources to learn, grow, and thrive as their authentic selves.”

A recent Centers for Disease Control study found that LGBTQ+ students reported significantly worse mental health than their peers. Furthermore, nearly half of lesbian, gay, and bisexual teens thought about suicide last year. Using the Pride in Mental Health Act, the press release says at-risk youth can access mental health information and improve their physical and psychological health.

Several LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, GLSEN and the National Center for Transgender Equality, and The Trevor Project, have endorsed the bill.

If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone you know may be, resources are available to help. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is for people of all ages and identities. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.