SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — As incidents of harassment against LGBTQ and transgender individuals continue to rise, new research is highlighting the serious mental health challenges these communities face.
“The experience of discrimination, of harassment, of bullying, of knowing that you are going to be treated like an other,” said Casey Pick with The Trevor Project. “And that has been just at an absolute fever pitch in the last few years. LGBTQ youth just want to live their lives. They don’t want to be constantly up against this pressure to defend themselves.”
In recent years, LGBTQ and transgender communities have seen an increase in harassment. A 2024 survey from the Trevor Project found that these groups face disproportionately high suicide risks, and far too many young people struggle to access the mental health care they need.
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“For Iowa, our research found that 42% of transgender and non-binary youth seriously considered suicide in the previous year,” Pick said. “13% of transgender and non-binary youth living in Iowa actually attempted suicide in that same time period.”
Pick acknowledged that many people want to understand the LGBTQ and transgender communities, but often aren’t sure where to start. She reassured viewers that it’s normal to have questions and encouraged open, honest conversations as an essential first step toward greater understanding.
“So knowing what words to use or how to be a supportive and welcoming adult that can be a challenge. But what matters is trying,” Pick said. “What matters is committing to being kind and a safe person for all of the young people in your life.”
According to Pick, most harassment has occurred on social media. However, she added that these platforms can also be powerful tools for connection and support within LGBTQ and transgender communities.
“That is where you see a lot of fear-mongering,” Pick said. “It’s where there can often be an experience of bullying or harassment on the other side of it. Social media can also be where our LGBTQ+ young people find community, where they see themselves represented and can see stories like theirs.”
She’s also noticed a growing wave of support for these communities.
“As much as we are facing some challenges like we haven’t seen in a long time, we are also welcoming more allies, more champions than we have seen in a long time, if ever,” said Pick.
If you or someone you know is facing challenges related to this topic, the Trevor Project’s website has resources. You can find that website by clicking here.
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