Stigma, Bullying & Politics: The Mental Health Crisis Affecting LGBTQ+ Youth in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s LGBTQ+ youth are facing serious mental health challenges. A recent study reveals that bullying, stigma, and politics are key reasons behind rising rates of anxiety and depression among them.
Mental Health Crisis Among LGBTQ+ Youth in Pennsylvania
In a 2023 survey conducted by The Trevor Project, over 653 LGBTQ+ individuals aged 13 to 24 in Pennsylvania shared their experiences. The results are alarming. More than one-third of these young people seriously considered suicide last year.
The study shows that mental health struggles like anxiety and depression are very common among LGBTQ+ youth in the state. Two-thirds of those surveyed said they had experienced anxiety in the past year. Over half reported feeling depressed.
The situation is even more concerning for transgender and nonbinary youth, who reported higher levels of both anxiety and depression compared to others.
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
- More than 33% seriously thought about suicide in 2023.
- 67% experienced anxiety last year.
- Over 50% felt depressed.
- 61% of those under 18 reported being bullied.
- Nearly 25% faced physical harm or threats due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Almost 50% of those needing mental health care did not receive it.
Reasons included the cost of treatment, fear of being judged, or not being taken seriously by others.
A Growing LGBTQ+ Community
According to a 2024 Axios analysis, 5.8% of adults in Pennsylvania identified as LGBT in 2020-2021. This is slightly higher than the national rate of 5.5%. The number of adults identifying as LGBTQ+ continues to grow as younger generations come of age.
However, despite living in an increasingly accepting society — around 70% of respondents said their community accepts LGBTQ+ individuals — many still face mental health challenges.
The Role of Politics
The study highlights how political debates and decisions directly impact the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth. Almost all survey participants said politics negatively affects them, either “a lot” or “sometimes.”
Recent Political Developments:
- Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) changed its policy on transgender athletes in February, after a presidential order banned transgender players from girls’ sports.
- A lawsuit by two school districts in Western Pennsylvania seeks to reduce the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission’s authority to investigate LGBTQ+ discrimination cases.
- Some families have reported that UPMC Children’s Hospital denied gender-affirming care to transgender children after a federal order stopped funding. Although the order is currently blocked by the courts, it has already created fear and uncertainty.
- The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy, which could influence similar laws in Pennsylvania.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
LGBTQ+ advocates are especially worried about young people in rural areas, where support systems are fewer. Cabe Angel, a community activist in Beaver and Lawrence counties, emphasized,
“Even having these public debates about whether a person deserves to be affirmed or supported puts vulnerable kids at risk of self-harm.”
Barriers to Mental Health Care
One of the biggest problems is access to affordable and supportive mental health care. The Trevor Project report shows that nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth who needed mental health care didn’t get it.
Why?
- Cost of care
- Fear of being judged
- Not being taken seriously
Even though some communities are becoming more accepting, stigma and bullying remain constant challenges, especially in schools.
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