Get to Know Let's Talk About It: Changing the conversation from HARMFUL to HELPFUL supporting LGBTQ Youth

Adolescence is a time of life when most youth invest a significant amount of time attempting to discover who they are and where they fit into the world. This time is necessary for developing the skills needed to transition to adulthood. These years are not always easy to navigate and for adolescents that identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) this time can become even more difficult if they do not feel they have a safe support system at home, school, work, or even church.

 

One of the most pressing issues facing today’s youth is suicide. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States for ages 10-24. In fact, during 2019, over 6,400 lives were lost due to suicide for this age group (National Institute of Mental Health). The numbers become even more incredible for youth that identify as LGBTQ. According to the National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2021 conducted by The Trevor Project, a staggering 42 percent of LGBTQ youth stated they had seriously considered attempting suicide within the last year (The Trevor Project). The same survey yielded results of 72 percent of LGBTQ youth reporting symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder within the last two weeks, and 62 percent reporting symptoms of a major depressive disorder. These statistics show there is a needed change in the way LGBTQ youth are supported in their budding identities.

 

Due to the myriad of health risks facing LGBTQ youth that are lacking the support they need to thrive during adolescence, we have designed this site as a Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum to raise awareness and help educate adults to learn the skills needed to provide appropriate support for LGBTQ youth. Your influence could mean the difference between life and death for an LGBTQ youth. Together we can save lives. 

 

The material presented here was created by senior-level students in conjunction with an upper-division course in the Marriage and Family Studies major at Brigham Young University-Idaho, entitled: Teaching Family Life Education and under faculty supervision.

 

Disclaimer: The authors of this online curriculum are not therapists, and are not authorized to give personalized advice to any of the readers. The content of this lesson plan is the creation of the authors alone and does not represent any other entity or organization.