LGBTQ

According to the 2010 U.S. Census, more than one million Californians identify as LGBTQ, making up more than 4 percent of California’s population. Due to factors such as lack of access to treatment, culturally unresponsive service provision, and higher levels of stigma and discrimination, LGBTQ people are almost three times more likely than non-LGBTQ peers to experience a mental health challenge.

Being a member of the LGBTQ community doesn’t necessarily increase the risk for mental health issues; but the stigma and discrimination LGBTQ individuals may face from family, friends and society can increase risk for mental health challenges. Check out the resources below to help start important conversations and find safe places for support.

LGBTQ+ Collection on the EMM Resource Center

The Each Mind Matters Resource Center hosts an LGBTQ+ collection with videos, stories and resources.

Be True and Be You: A Basic Mental Health Guide for LGBTQ+ Youth

This brochure discusses caring for your mental health as an LGBTQ+ young adult, including information on sexual orientation, gender identity, and coming out; healthy relationships; common mental health challenges and their symptoms; when to reach out for support; and your rights as a young person seeking support.

Latinx: A Brief Handbook

The objective of this guide is to provide a historical context of the term "Latinx," clarify common misconceptions of the term, and create space for an adaptive usage of Latinx that both respects non binary individuals and takes into consideration broader community concerns.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Lifeline Crisis Chat: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org (available 24/7)
Need help now? Text "START" to 741-741

Talking about LGBT Issues Series

Talking About Suicide & LGBT Populations provides detailed recommendations for more safely discussing suicide in public conversations and social media, while at the same time expanding public conversations about the well-being of LGBT people, promoting the need for family support and acceptance, and encouraging help-seeking by LGBT people who may be contemplating suicide. Also available in Spanish.

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
The Trevor Lifeline: (866)-488-7386
TrevorChat is available 7 days a week (1pm- 6pm PST) at www.thetrevorproject.org/pages/get-help-now

More Resources

Looking for more?

You can find even even more resources at the Each Mind Matters Resource Center.

Do you work with people from Diverse Communities?

Find resources and tools for professionals and Diverse Community leaders on our Diverse Communities page.