LGBTQIA+ youth make invaluable contributions to our society today. Unfortunately, staggering statistics show that LGBTQIA+ youth are especially vulnerable to mental health struggles. According to The Trevor Project, more than 1.8 million LGBTQIA+ youth seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S.—and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds. Recent increases in violence against trans people, especially trans women of color, and heightened politicalization and stigmatization of Queer people in the news cycle can cause significant harm to mental health. Despite this adversity, many LGBTQIA+ youth demonstrate exceptional resilience, finding well being and creating communities of support.
Join Well Beings, PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, PBS Books, Detroit Public Television and WETA for a Town Hall conversation, led by youth, for youth, that will raise awareness about mental health challenges specific to the LGBTQIA+ community, address stigmatization that can prevent care and support, and create safe space for dialogue and sharing of resources.
