June is a special month for the LGBTQIA community – it’s Pride Month and it’s celebrated by members of the LGBTQIA community and their allies.
At this time, in our country and other parts of the world, attempts are being made to strip basic human rights and freedom of expression from people who identify as LGBTQIA. Hate crimes against LGBTQIA people are on the rise, particularly among people who identify as transgender – transgender people are over 4 times more likely than cisgender people to be victims of violent crime.
As a LGBTQIA affirming behavioral health provider, THS recognizes that LGBTQIA are more likely to experience mental health and substance issues and need the recovery support we provide. LGBTQIA individuals:
- Are 9 times more likely than non-LGBTQIA people to be victims of violent hate crimes
- Are more than 2x as likely as heterosexual men and women to have a mental health disorder within their lifetime
- Are 2.5 times more likely to experience depression, anxiety and substance misuse compared with heterosexual individuals
- If transgender and identifying as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Native or Multiracial/mixed Race, individuals are at increased risk of suicide attempts than white transgender individuals
- Age 24 and younger have a rate of suicide attempts that is four times greater for lesbian, gay and bisexual youth and two times greater for questioning youth than that of heterosexual youth
- Are more likely to be victims of violence compared with their heterosexual peers – the risk of experiencing violence is even higher for undocumented and racial/ethnic minority LGBTQIA individuals
- Age 24 and younger have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness – often the result of family rejection or discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This risk is especially high among African American/Black and Native American/Alaska Native LGBTQIA youth and young adults.
In addition to behavior health providers who Identify as LGBTQIA, the community is represented by THS staff who identify as LGBTQIA in virtually every department in the organization as well as on the Leadership and Executive Teams and Board of Directors.
Whether you are a member of the LGBTQIA community or an ally, we wish you a happy Pride Month!
