LGBTQ+ youth experience mental health challenges at a rapid rate. In 2023, a survey done by the Trevor Project found that 54% of LGBTQ+ youth experienced symptoms of depression nearly 20% more than heterosexual people of the same age group. The survey also found that LGBTQ+ youth are less likely to receive satisfactory care, have fewer resources to LGBTQ+- centered mental health services and are four times more likely to commit suicide at the high school age than their peers.
In the wake of these mental health concerns and the tragic passing of non-binary teenager Nex Bendict, two senators have come together to combat the issue. The first Black and openly queer senator, Laphonza Butler, and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith have introduced the Pride in Mental Health Act, which would strengthen mental health and crisis intervention resources for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.
“Accessing mental health care and support has become increasingly difficult in nearly every state in the country,” said Senator Butler. “Barriers get even more difficult if you are a young person who lacks a supportive community or is fearful of being outed, harassed or threatened. I am introducing the Pride in Mental Health Act to help equip LGBTQ+ youth with the resources to get the affirming and often life-saving care they need.”
Should the act pass, certain mental health facilities would be granted funds and resources to assess and improve their LGBTQ+ mental health and substance use resources. This would include collecting consensual and reliable data, providing competency training for caregivers and reworking behavioral health and crisis intervention resources to improve LGBTQ+ youth mental health.
The act also promises to invest in establishing bullying prevention guidelines and LGBTQ+ behavioral health services within schooling systems—where many of the mental health concerns for LGBTQ+ youth stems from—and prevent any kind of conversion therapy.
“Mental health care is health care. And for some LGBTQ+ youth, receiving access to the mental health care they need can mean the difference between living in safety and dignity, and suffering alone through discrimination, bullying and even violence,” said Senator Smith. “The data shows what many parents and educators see every day—an epidemic of students in classrooms dealing with anxiety, depression and other serious mental health conditions, with nowhere to turn. Meeting LGBTQ+ students where they already are—in school—helps us break down the stigma they might face and get kids the health care they need.”
Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association, added, “LGBTQ+ disproportionately experience elevated rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and substance use, often because of discrimination. Psychological science has demonstrated the crucial role that access to mental health services can play in reducing negative outcomes.”
Additionally, the legislation would also improve and amend federal programs working directly with LGBTQ+ communities. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration would be required to update their resources and policies to better reflect the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, and federal social service programs, such as foster care, would have to conduct research on how to best serve LGBTQ+ children utilizing these services.
The Pride in Mental Health Act is being supported by numerous senators and representatives, teachers, students and psychological professionals. Organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign, GLSEN, the Trevor Project, the National Alliance on Mental Health, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and numerous others have also shown their outward support of the bill’s passage.
“All kids deserve to have the tools they need to live safe, healthy lives—and that of course includes LGBTQ+ kids,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin noted in support of the Pride in Mental Health Act. “We need to ensure that our kids, parents and communities have access to high-quality mental health support to help those in crisis, including those LGBTQ+ youth who are disproportionately facing mental health challenges. I am proud to support this legislation to turn the tide on the mental health crisis and reach the children who need our help.”
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