Youth's Lives Every Day
The Trevor Project’s classic crisis services experienced significantly increased volume related to the election over the last few days (pre-election, post-election). A third of those crisis contacts identified as BIPOC LGBTQ+ young people.
The viral NBC News exit polls indicate that a majority (85%) of Black people voted for VP Harris, which includes a larger majority of Black women (91%).
“Recognizing that the vast majority of Black voters voted for VP Harris, it makes sense that Black LGBTQ+ young people might be experiencing negative mental health outcomes following the election results. For LGBTQ+ young people, including BIPOC LGBTQ+ young people, we know that they can experience marginalization, and are at higher risk for discrimination, seriously considering suicide, and suicide attempts.” -Jaymes Black, CEO for The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project’s research shows that Black LGBTQ+ youth often report mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation.
2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People
- 14% of Black/African American LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year, compared to 10% of white LGBTQ+ young people
- 11% of Black/African American LGBTQ+ young people have been physically threatened or harmed in the past year
- 36% of Black/African American LGBTQ+ young people have felt discriminated against in the past year
Research Report: Mental Health of Black LGBTQ Youth
- 44% of Black LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months, including 59% of Black transgender and nonbinary youth
- 55% of Black LGBTQ youth reported symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in the past two weeks, including 70% of Black transgender and nonbinary youth
- 63% of Black LGBTQ youth report symptoms of major depressive disorder including 71% of Black transgender and nonbinary youth
- Self-harm was reported in 44% of Black LGBTQ youth, including 61% of Black transgender and nonbinary youth
- 49% of Black LGBTQ youth reported wanting psychological or emotional counseling from a mental health professional in the past 12 months, but not being able to get it
Resources to Include in Your Coverage:
- Finding Support & Building Community After the 2024 Elections
- How to Signal You are an Ally in Hostile Environment
- Letter from The Trevor Project’s CEO to LGBTQ+ youth
- How to Reach Out to The Trevor Project
- The Trevor Project’s Self-Care Flowchart
- The Trevor Project’s Visual Breathing Exercise for Stress & Anxiety
