Supporting Positive Development for LGBTQ+ Youth

Adolescence is a time of intense learning and adaptation when we forge our sense of who we are and who we want to be. Throughout this remarkable period of development, we begin to explore the world and create new relationships with our peers and communities. Young people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) are often tackling these developmental tasks with the added challenges of discrimination and victimization from their communities, schools, peers, and even families. The Trevor Project’s 2021 Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 75% of LGBTQ+ young people have experienced discrimination based on their gender identity and sexual orientation. This is on top of the racial discrimination faced by LGBTQ youth of color.

These challenges contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide among LGBTQ youth compared to their straight, cisgender (those whose gender conforms to their birth sex) peers. The adolescent years are an opportunity to build resilience and shape positive trajectories, and research is clear about how we can support LGBTQ youth to help them thrive. Access to spaces that affirm their sexual orientation and gender identity, having their pronouns respected by those around them, and avenues to change their names and/or gender identity on legal documents like driver’s licenses all improve the emotional well-being of LGBT young people.

Please consider checking out one of these three illustrated guides from the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent:

• 3 Things Adults Can Do to Support the Mental Health and Wellbeing of LGBTQ+ Youth
• 3 Ways Family Acceptance Helps LGBTQ+ Youth Thrive
• Creating Communities of Acceptance: A Guide

UCLA also suggests the following additional resources for positive development for LGBTQ+ young people and those who support them:

• The Trevor Project focuses on crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth
• Black and LGBTQ: Approaching Intersectional Conversations, a guide from The Trevor Project
• PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization
• GLSEN works to create safe and affirming schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
• It Gets Better Project works to uplift, empower and connect LGBTQ+ youth across the globe

This article originally appeared here on UCLA’s website.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services