A newsletter from Johnson County Mental Health Center | | |
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of LGBTQIA+ communities. It is also an opportunity to recognize the unique mental health challenges many LGBTQIA+ young people face and the powerful impact that supportive adults, families, schools, and communities can have on their well-being.
Research consistently shows that LGBTQIA+ youth experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts—not because of who they are, but because of discrimination, stigma, bullying, and a lack of acceptance. The good news is that support makes a difference. LGBTQIA+ youth who have affirming spaces and supportive adults in their lives report significantly better mental health outcomes and lower rates of depression and suicide risk.
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Why Allyship Matters
According to the Born This Way Foundation's Advocate for LGBTQ+ Young People: A Guide on How to Be an Active Ally, more than one in three LGBTQ+ young people have experienced bullying or teasing online because of their identity, 60% report feelings of loneliness, and only one-third report access to spaces that feel very kind or affirming.
Being an ally means more than simply expressing support. Active allyship includes:
- Listening to and believing LGBTQIA+ youth when they share their experiences.
- Using inclusive language and respecting names and pronouns.
- Challenging discrimination, bullying, and misinformation when you encounter it.
- Creating environments where young people feel safe, valued, and celebrated.
- Continuing to learn about LGBTQIA+ history, identities, and experiences.
Small actions can help young people feel seen and supported every day.
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Understanding the Harm of Conversion Therapy
One issue that continues to affect LGBTQIA+ youth is so-called "conversion therapy," a practice that attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. Major medical and mental health organizations do not recognize conversion therapy as a legitimate form of treatment.
Recent research from The Trevor Project found that LGBTQIA+ young people who experienced conversion therapy reported significantly higher rates of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. The effects can be long-lasting, particularly when youth are subjected to these practices by trusted adults or authority figures.
Supporting LGBTQIA+ youth means affirming their identities, respecting who they are, and ensuring they have access to safe, evidence-based mental health care.
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How You Can Support LGBTQIA+ Youth
You don't need to have all the answers to make a difference. Support can look like:
- Letting a young person know they are loved and accepted.
- Creating welcoming and inclusive spaces at home, school, work, and in the community.
- Speaking up against bullying and discrimination.
- Connecting youth with affirming mental health resources and supportive communities.
- Celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year.
For many LGBTQIA+ youth, even one supportive adult can be a protective factor that helps improve mental health and foster resilience.
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This Pride Month, consider how you can help create a kinder, safer, and more inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth. Whether it's learning more, listening with compassion, or actively advocating for inclusion, every action contributes to a community where all young people can thrive.
When LGBTQIA+ youth feel accepted, affirmed, and supported, they are more likely to experience hope, connection, and positive mental health outcomes. Together, we can help ensure every young person knows they belong.
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Featured Resource: Jack.org
Jack.org is Canada's largest network of young people supporting young people, offering youth a space to safely learn about mental health, support their peers, seek professional support, and advocate for a future where youth can thrive in mental wellness.
Learn more about resources from jack.org.
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Help is Available 24/7
Remember that you are never alone. Help is available 24/7 through JCMHC's Crisis Line at 913-268-0156 or through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Johnson County Mental Health Center also has walk-in services, known as Access to Care, available Monday through Friday at our Shawnee and Olathe offices.
Call JCMHC's Crisis Line.
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Midweek Mood Booster
Soccer fans are flocking to the Kansas City area for the 2026 World Cup. That means thousands of fans and athletes are eating in hotels and restaurants. But what happens to all of that leftover food?
Pete’s Garden, a food recovery organization, is working with stadium operations, hotels, and event venues to collect unserved food that would otherwise go to waste. The organization is hoping to serve up to 15,000 meals through the World Cup festivities to local families in need.
Discover more about Pete's Garden's work and how you can help.
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