Survey Shows Mental Health Challenges Among LGBTQ Youth in Michigan
Despite strides in LGBTQ rights in Michigan, many LGBTQ youth continue to face significant mental health challenges, as highlighted in a recent survey conducted by the Trevor Project.
The survey, targeting LGBTQ individuals aged 13 to 24, revealed that over half of the participants felt that recent political events had greatly affected their mental well-being. The Trevor Project’s mission focuses on preventing suicide among LGBTQ youth.
Findings specific to youth in Michigan include:
- 37% of respondents had seriously contemplated suicide, with this figure rising to 42% among transgender and nonbinary youth.
- 68% experienced anxiety symptoms.
- 52% reported symptoms of depression, which increased to 57% among trans and nonbinary youth.
- 45% considered their home an LGBTQ-affirming environment.
These statistics are similar to national figures from the same survey.
Lorina Karreci, Associate Director at the Ruth Ellis Center in Highland Park, which supports LGBTQ youth, recognizes these trends in her daily work. “While the numbers are always striking, they are not necessarily surprising,” Karreci noted, citing challenges like unstable housing and limited access to affirming healthcare.
Karreci emphasized that the current political environment exacerbates these issues. “When LGBTQ+ young people see supportive policies [and] affirming messages, it fosters a sense of safety and belonging for them,” she explained. However, harmful rhetoric and policies can lead to increased stress and mental health problems.
According to the Michigan report, 35% of trans or nonbinary respondents considered leaving the state due to the political climate.
Emme Zanotti, Senior Director at Equality Michigan, pointed out that young people closely follow the discourse surrounding them. “Young people are much more attuned to what’s happening in society than we give them credit for,” she observed.
While Michigan has made significant legislative progress, such as expanding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act in 2023 and enacting laws to simplify name and gender marker changes, both Karreci and Zanotti believe more can be done.
Karreci emphasized the importance of safe spaces, stating, “If the world isn’t always going to be a safe space, can we make at least Ruth Ellis Center and other entities that we have at least a little bit of control over a little bit safer for the youth?”
Zanotti urged adults to demonstrate genuine care for LGBTQ youth, noting, “We talk about Midwest values a lot, and I’m not sure LGBTQ young people see that when they see efforts to defund library systems just because they created safe spaces for LGBTQ people.” She stressed the need for leaders to vocally support LGBTQ youth, as it could save lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, you can contact one of the following hotlines:
- National Suicide Prevention Line: 988
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
- Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
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