A new report from the Trevor Project shows LGBTQ2S+ Indigenous youth face a disproportionate rate of mental health challenges. The report’s recommendations mirror work being done by local Indigenous organizations.
In its most recent study, “The Mental Health and Well-Being of Indigenous LGBTQ Young People,” researchers found major disparities in rates of mental health struggles for queer Indigenous youth compared to their non-Indigenous, queer peers.
This July, the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board passed a resolution in support of gender-affirming medical care for Two Spirit and LGBTQ2S+ Indigenous youth. As a tribal organization representing 43 tribes in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, this means the resolution was adopted by the board of delegates from tribes across the region.
In Washington state, a new crisis hotline launched last November — The Native and Strong Lifeline. The goal of the crisis support lifeline is to provide culturally competent mental health support to Indigenous people in need. A lifeline for Native people, run by Native people.
Though the lifeline is not geared specifically towards LGBTQ2S+ Indigenous youth, counselors work to support all Native people in crisis.
Read more on OPB.org.
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