Negative attitudes and cultural stigmas toward those who are gay or transgender put LGBTQ youth at an increased risk for bullying, teasing, harassment and physical violence compared with their heterosexual peers. The stresses and homosexual victimization experienced by LGBTQ youth put them at greater risk for other mental health problems besides depression, especially substance abuse. Research suggests each episode of LGBT victimization, such as physical or verbal harassment or abuse, increases the likelihood of self-harming behavior by 2.5 times on average. In comparison to their straight peers, LGBTQ youth are four times more likely, and questioning youth are three times more likely, to attempt suicide.
Also, we need help throughout the weekend to help promote TELL and youth suicide awareness at our booth, so if you’d like to help us out, you can stay all day or just for a 2-hour shift. Again, please send an email to [email protected] to let us know. Any amount of time will be greatly appreciated!