If you are quoting from one or more of the websites within this list for a school research project, use the MLA Style Guide to learn how to properly format citations.
If you or a loved one is in need of immediate support and/or advice, text 'START' to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386.
If you or a loved one is in need of immediate support and/or advice from transgender peers, call (877) 565-8860.
On this page, you will find several websites that provide information about LGBTQ+ teen mental health, services for those in need of support, and community spaces. If you are struggling and need help, reach out to a trained counselor via one or both of the crisis hotlines in the sidebar.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the federal public health agency of the United States and is dedicated to protecting the physical and mental wellbeing of Americans and promoting healthy behaviors. As such, the CDC website provides a broad view of health as it relates to various age groups and populations, including the LGBTQ+ community. The “LGBT Health” page offers general information about the health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, and the succeeding pages offer specific information and resources for men, women, transgender individuals, and youth. The “LGBT Youth” page provides information about the effects of violence and homophobia on LGBTQ+ students (e.g., poor mental health) and information about various ways administrators and parents can protect and support LGBTQ+ youth. Additionally, the “LGBT Youth Resources” page provides several websites teens can visit to learn more about their identities, advocate for themselves, and find community.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights at local, national, and global levels. The HRC website provides several resources for LGBTQ+ individuals, including pages for youth and people of color. The “LGBTQ+ Youth” page gives users the opportunity to learn about HRC projects, find health care, and read research reports about LGBTQ+ youth. The “QTBIPOC Mental Health and Well-Being” page teaches users about some of the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people of color. Additionally, it offers links to external resources, including crisis hotlines, health care directories, mental health organizations, and videos, webinars, and blog posts that discuss the mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people in greater detail.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is an organization that works to educate the public on issues related to mental health and advocates for legislation that supports the lives of those affected. The NAMI website provides a comprehensive view of mental health, with pages dedicated to specific conditions, age groups, abilities, and cultural communities. The “Teens” page offers useful advice on how to start conversations about mental health, how to find support and professional guidance, and how to maintain healthy relationships with social media and school challenges. The “LGBTQI” page provides information about the challenges faced by LGBTQI youth (e.g., coming out, homelessness, suicide, etc.) and offers advice on how to find professional care and additional support.
Trans Lifeline is an organization that works to support the wellbeing of transgender people by offering a certified peer-operated crisis hotline for those in need of immediate help and/or advice, financial aid, and several additional resources. Sections within the “Resources” page include “Disability,” “Health Care and Wellness,” “Mental Health and Community Wellness,” and “Self-Care/Emotional Support,” among others. Each section is full of links to external websites that have been sourced by the Trans Lifeline leadership team so that users can access the information and care they need.
The Trevor Project is an organization that works to prevent LGBTQ+ youth suicide by providing a 24/7 crisis hotline, conducting research, educating the public, and offering a moderated online community space for teens and young adults. The “Get Help” tab connects users to trained crisis counselors, while the “Explore Topics” tab lets users find information about gender identity, coming out, mental health, and more. The “Mental Health” section provides pages with links to external websites for further information and various guides on topics such as suicide prevention, Black LGBTQ+ mental health, and self-care. The “Explore Trevor” tab at the top of the site allows users to learn more about the organization and access research briefs and reports that provide further information about LGBTQ+ youth.
UNICEF is an international organization that is dedicated to protecting the rights of children and adolescents. UNICEF USA supports this mission by educating and advocating for children in the United States. “Queer During Quarantine: A Spotlight on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health” (Ryan Sasse, 24 June 2021) discusses the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on children and adolescents around the world, particularly those that are LGBTQ+. The article highlights some of the advocacy work that has been accomplished by LGBTQ+ teens in the past year and links to other pages and external sites that provide mental health resources and strategies for coping with pandemic-related stress.
MLA Citation: Sasse, Ryan. "Queer During Quarantine: A Spotlight on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health." UNICEF USA, https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/queer-during-quarantine-spotlight-lgbtq-youth-mental-health/38722.