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Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
Source: Trevor Project 2021
LGBTQ+ youth might experience stress that their heterosexual peers do not. This can come from a concern that family and friends will not accept them, harassment at school or work, or anti-LGBTQ+ legislation being passed across the country.
Substance use can show up as a way to cope with these stressors. Data from The Trevor Project shows that in 2021, nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth under the age of 21 surveyed used alcohol in the last year.
The most important thing you can do to support your LGBTQ+ loved one is to actively affirm their identity. Make sure they know they are loved and supported no matter what.
You can do this by:
being an open ear to their concerns and taking an active interest and role in their life
helping them find affinity groups or other activities to connect them to the community
connecting them to proper mental healthcare, gender-affirming care, and substance use treatment.
Learn more about supporting loved ones in the LGBTQ+ community here:
