Hard work and progress

For decades, many have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support the rights of LGBTQ+ people. This includes laws to stop discrimination at work, to support marriage equality and to make it possible for same-sex couples to adopt.

More work to do

But when you look closer at the facts, it's clear that there is still much more work to do. People in the LGBTQ+ community continue to suffer and struggle. Consider the following.

Harassment and violence

57% of LGBTQ+ people have been threatened or harassed.

51% of LGBTQ+ people have experienced violence because of their sexuality or gender identity. The risk is even higher for minority LGBTQ+ people.

Nearly 1 in 5 reported hate crimes are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias. Of those, roughly 60% target gay men.

LGBTQ+ adults have a significantly higher prevalence of rape, physical violence and/or stalking compared to straight adults.

Mental health & substance use

LGBTQ+ people are more than twice as likely as straight people to have a mental health disorder.

LGBTQ+ teens are six times more likely to have symptoms of depression than non-LGBTQ+ teens.

The rate of suicide attempts is four times greater for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth, and two times greater for questioning youth, than that of straight youth.

48% of transgender adults considered suicide in the last year, compared to 4 percent of the overall U.S. population.

Help create an open, safe and respectful world.

It's clear that discrimination, prejudice, harassment and isolation continue to harm many in the LGBTQ+ community. Fortunately, there are ways to help.

1. Take a stance to honor and celebrate diversity and inclusion

2. Invite open conversations

3. Promote acceptance

4. Encourage mutual respect

Resources such as The Trevor Project and the National Institutes of Health’s Sexual and Gender Minority Center offer important information for supporting those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Sources

National Alliance on Mental Illness. Identity and Cultural Dimensions: LGBTQI. Accessed June, 2024
American Psychiatric Association: Mental Health Disparities: LGBTQ. Accessed June, 2024

LGBTQ+ Awareness Fact Sheet

More about Friendship And Community