Youth's Lives Every Day
74% of LGBTQ youth in Michigan reported experiencing discrimination due to either their sexual orientation or gender identity
March 16, 2023 — The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ young people, commended Gov. Whitmer for signing The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (SB4) today. This bill expands statewide nondiscrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Virginia was the last state to pass similar discrimination protections in 2020. The Trevor Project was in attendance at today’s signing ceremony with the Governor alongside other state partners, LGBTQ advocacy groups, and community leaders.
“This bill being signed into law is a beacon of hope and sends a powerful message of acceptance to LGBTQ people across the nation. At The Trevor Project, we work every day to protect the lives of LGBTQ youth, and days like today prove that in generations to come, both their legal and lived equality will no longer be fodder for political debate,” said Troy Stevenson (he/him), Director of State Advocacy Campaigns for The Trevor Project. “Our research shows that having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ young people by 40 percent. We applaud the elected leaders, advocates and Gov. Whitmer for making this a reality, and affirming the dignity and rights of LGBTQ Michiganders by codifying these protections into law.”
According to The Trevor Project’s 2022 U.S. National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health by State, 74% of LGBTQ youth in Michigan reported experiencing discrimination due to either their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Trevor’s latest national U.S. survey found that LGBTQ youth who experienced discrimination attempted suicide at more than twice the rate of those who did not in the past year. However, LGBTQ youth who lived in an accepting community, had access to LGBTQ-affirming spaces, and/or felt high social support from family and friends reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide in the past year.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Help, or by texting 678678.
