I wanted to focus this week’s blog around LGBTQIA+ mental health. The month of June marks Pride Month and it’s important to bring attention to the community’s mental health. Unfortunately, stigma and other factors highly affect the wellbeing and mental health of the LGBTQIA+ community. Below are a few resources and strategies to support and improve the wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Here are ways and resources to better serve and support the LGBTQIA+ community members:

o  Participate in education/training that focus on legal issues, ‘coming out’ process, and other relevant topics. More information:

o  https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/lgbt/curricula

o  https://www.apa.org/advocacy/health/lgbtq-health

o  https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/The-Trevor-Project-National-Survey-Results-2019.pdf

• Learn and understand the use of pronouns and chosen names. It’s important to ensure we use the pronouns and chosen names of individuals to affirm their gender identity.
• Do not ‘Out’ people—this is a personal choice. Follow the lead of the LGBTQ+ person in how they wish to discuss their identity
• Provide relevant resources and ways of finding Queer-friendly providers (specifically mental health providers): https://www.wpath.org/provider/search.
• Find other LGBTQIA+ mental health statistics to understand the needs of the community.

Resources for LGBTQIA+ community members:

•       The Montrose Center (Houston)
•       LGBTQ GLAAD Resources List
•       The Trevor Project
•       Trans* Life Line
•       LGBTQ National Help Center
•       LGBTQ+ Friendly Providers
•       LGBT Youth Support

Link to Screening URL: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools?ref=MHAHouston

By Gustavo Molinar, Mental Health Literacy Specialist at Mental Health America of Greater Houston