The LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex/gender non-conforming) community consists of a large population that deserves to be treated with affirming care. Those who identify as LGBTQI+ are a part of the normal spectrum of human diversity and deserve to be heard and supported. Many people do not see the need for affirming care that discusses these issues, however, try to imagine sharing intimate details of your life and exploring those to seek change while completely ignoring a large part of your identity. Within this article I hope to address that the LGBTQI+ community is present, deserves to be heard, disclose details about what gender-affirming therapy services looks like, and provide resources for this population.
The LGBTQI+ community has been criticized for not being a large enough portion of the U.S. population to matter, let’s take a look at why that is unfounded. According to a report completed by the Human Rights Campaign, almost 8% of the United States adult population identifies as LGBTQI+ (2021). This means that 20 million people identify as LGBTQI+, which is larger than the entire U.S. veteran population (2023). Gallup (2022) discovered that 4% of the United States population are bisexual, which is larger than the entire state of Georgia (calculated with U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 numbers). The Human Rights Campaign also noted that the transgender community consists of 1% of the United states population (2021). This verifies there are more transgender persons in the United States than law enforcement officers (National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 2023). These statistics demonstrate how prevalent the LGBTQ+ population is, but why do they need support? 23% of LGBTQI+ youth are bullied at school, 52% of LGBTQI+ youth experienced poor mental health, and 45% seriously considered suicide in the past year (SAMHSA, 2021; Center for Disease control and prevention 2023). LGB adults are significantly more likely than other U.S. adults to have a mental illness substance use disorder, or both a mental illness and substance use disorder (SAMHSA, 2021; Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). This population deserves to be heard because they are people with inherent value, but also due to the normalized harm they experience and are overall more at risk.
Gender-affirming therapy services reduce stigmatization, help manage mental illness, and decrease the risk of suicide for this population (SAMHSA, 2021). Gender-affirming therapy aids the client in identify the root of distress, increases coping and overall psychological health, and supports youth during a time of confusion and recognition of sexual and gender orientation. Validation is central to affirming therapy services. This affirming therapy allows clients to explore cultural, religious, and other identities and simultaneously aids in working to find ways to express their gender identity. Acceptance and integration of the client’s identity is vital to this type of care. Affirming therapy is client-led and client-centered and comes from a standpoint that is supportive, rather than conceptualizing the client as having a “mental illness” or disorder due to gender and sexual orientation diversity. This type of therapy also helps to increase familial support. LGBTQI+ affirming therapy saves lives and leads to an increased ability to cope with gender identity and sexual orientation diversity. It has been shown time and time again that having one supportive adult in the lives of LGBTQI+ youth can make a significant impact (SAMHSA 2021).
LGBTQI+ people deserve to be supported, below are links to affirming services. Gender and sexual orientation affirming therapy services are also available at Greenway Therapy. I have experience working with LGBTQI+ youth and adults and would love to help you on your path of discovering yourself and supporting you through any identity-related issues. If you have a child that may identify as LGBTQI+, they are at significant risk of being bullied and affirming therapeutic services could aid in coping and minimizing distress. Gender affirming services are available at Greenway, seek help today.
Resources:
https://www.startherestl.org/lgbtq.html
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Works Cited
“2021 NSDUH Annual National Report.” SAMHSA.Gov, 2021, www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report.
U.S. Census Bureau. “Veterans.” Census.Gov, 6 July 2022, www.census.gov/topics/population/veterans.html#:~:text=The%202021%20American%20Community%20Survey,or%206.4%20percent%2C%20were%20veterans.
“Law Enforcement Facts.” National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 29 Mar. 2023, nleomf.org/memorial/facts-figures/law-enforcement-facts/.
Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth 2 2 Acknowledgment. (n.d.). https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep22-03-12-001.pdf
U.S. Census Bureau Quickfacts: Georgia, www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/GA/PST045222. Accessed 21 June 2023.
Elaina Taylor is a PLPC at Greenway Therapy. Learn more about her on her BIO page.
