There are wonderful programs like the The Trevor Project that LGBTQ people should know about. Our struggles as LGBTQ youth are unique and many don’t always have the knowledge, training or resources to provide adequate mental health support. - AA

Know that there is a family of loving friends and allies out there fighting for your rights and ready to love you unconditionally. If you're struggling, consider connecting with groups such as The Trevor Project or other online communities. - NC

You don’t have to struggle alone. At the Child Mind Institute, we know that LGBTQ+ youth benefit most from working with clinicians with experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals and who are committed to affirming/supporting LGBTQ+ people.

Q6: What would you tell a friend who was struggling with issues related to their LGBTQ+ identity?

The definitions of gender and sex vary widely depending on culture, region and time period. Self-expression is not linear and you don’t have to know exactly who you are right now. Play around with names, pronouns, clothing and hairstyles to find your authentic self. - AA

Love and acceptance is what the LGBTQ community is about and I love my fellow LGBTQ folks like family. Keep persisting even when you feel like the world is against you, practice resilience and ask for help when you need it! - NC

Negative reactions towards one’s LGBTQ+ identity can lead to emotional distress and cause mental health concerns. It’s important to us to support youth in their journey and to balance out the invalidation that LGBTQ+ youth can experience.

Q7: What are your recommendations for places LGBTQ+ youth can find support?

I’d recommend attending or finding information about your area’s nearest #Pride events or LGBTQ community center. There are likely local businesses that are allies, or larger organizations like HRC and PFLAG National that have free resources and support services. - AA

Some great recommendations for LGBTQ youth outreach and support are HRC, The Trevor Project, GLAAD, GLSEN and PFLAG National. - NC

Couldn’t be more in agreement with the HRC Youth Ambassadors. And given that we are in the middle of Pride Month, there’s no better time to connect with these organizations, to seek or provide support to others, and to get involved.

Q8: How can people get more information on how to become an LGBTQ+ ally?

The internet is a wonderful place. A quick Google search will generate hundreds of articles, blog posts and videos made by organizations and individuals to help educate and guide new allies. - AA

To be an LGBTQ ally, you must LISTEN. Refrain from receiving information through a biased perspective, do your research on the issues that LGBTQ people face every day and learn about what actions you can take that would make a positive difference. - NC

Listening and truly trying to understand someone else’s perspective is so important and makes such a big difference. The Trevor Project has a wonderful guide on how to become an LGBTQ+ ally. thetrevorproject.org/resources/trev…

Q9: Are there ways that allies can be more supportive to their LGBTQ+ peers during this time?

Actively work to check in on your LGBTQ friends, family members or colleagues. Make time to connect with them virtually to remind them that you are an ally and consider promoting helpful resources on your social media pages. - AA

The best thing you can do to better support LGBTQ youth is listen, become more educated on issues and take action. Make sure you check in on your LGBTQ peers! This pandemic can be hard for some of us to maneuver through and checking up on people can really go a long way. - NC

COVID is unique in its capacity to facilitate isolation, particularly among LGBTQ+ youth who might be cut off from normal avenues of support. Reaching out and being there for someone has never been more important or more impactful.

We want to thank our partners at HRC for hosting this forum with us, and we hope that these themes of affirmation, supportive community, and available resources extend far beyond this chat.