![](https://nned.net/wp-content/uploads/NNED-2022-VR2-Promotional-Image-1024x536.jpg)
Addressing the Intersectional Behavioral Health Needs of Racially/Ethnically Diverse LGBTQ+ Communities
Across the country, both racially/ethnically diverse and LGTBQ+ communities are at higher risks for adverse behavioral health conditions due to factors such as discrimination, systemic barriers, and lack of access to care. For those who live at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality, these layers of marginalization create nuanced behavioral health needs. With the added impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent anti-transgender legislation, diverse LGBTQ+ populations are experiencing an increase in depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide ideation. Understanding intersectionality — the combined and overlapping aspects of a person’s identity — is key to providing culturally responsive and trauma-informed care.
In recognition of National Minority Health Month (April), join this NNED Virtual Roundtable to learn how organizations are responding to the complex behavioral health needs of racially/ethnically diverse LGBTQ+ communities. Panelists will discuss the impacts of trauma and adverse mental health conditions associated with intersectional identities, and how to build affirming practices and environments.
During this NNED Virtual Roundtable, participants will learn:
- The socioeconomic and cultural ramifications on behavioral health for racially/ethnically diverse LGBTQ+ populations
- How to provide safe spaces for youth and adults experiencing trauma
- Training and learning opportunities for providers to build capacity for behavioral health care and substance use treatments
- How communities can build culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and affirming systems and programs that allow racially/ethnically diverse LGBTQ+ populations to thrive
The event was also shared on Facebook Live at fb.com/nned.net and closed captioning was available through Zoom.
This NNED Virtual Roundtable was hosted by the NNED National Facilitation Center and SAMHSA’s Office of Behavioral Health Equity in partnership with the Center of Excellence for LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity.
Opening Remarks
![Headshot of Dr. Angela Weeks outside in a pink cardigan and black shirt and glasses](https://nned.net/wp-content/uploads/Angela-Weeks-Headshot_web.jpg)
Angela Weeks, DBA | Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity
Panelists
![Headshot of Judy Morrissey in a black shirt and black glasses.](https://nned.net/wp-content/uploads/Judy-Morrissey-Headshot_web.jpg)
Judy Morrissey, LCSW | Mazzoni Center
![Headshot of Dr. Myeshia Price outside with a black blazer, white button-down shirt, and black hat.](https://nned.net/wp-content/uploads/Myeshia-Price-Headshot_web.jpg)
Myeshia Price, PhD | The Trevor Project
![Headshot of Richard Zalvidar on the stairs in a black suit, white button-down, and black glasses.](https://nned.net/wp-content/uploads/Richard-Zaldivar-Headshot_web.jpg)
Richard Zalvidar | The Wall Las Memorias
Facilitator
![Headshot of Dr. Sockalingam in front of a white background with a blue blazer and necklace.](https://nned.net/wp-content/uploads/Suganya-Sockalingam-Headshot_web.jpg)
Suganya Sockalingam, PhD | NNED National Facilitation Center