Pride Month is held each June to celebrate members of the LGBTQ+ community. Did you know that there are a lot of health disparities between members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who identify as straight?
According to the 2021 Youth Development Survey, Cortland LGBTQ+ youth are six times more likely to report that they attempted suicide in the past year compared to those who identify as straight. Additionally Cortland LGBTQ+ youth are three times more likely to report suicidal ideations or to report experiencing depressive symptoms in the past year compared to those who identify as straight. Transgender teens in Cortland County are five times more likely to report suicide attempts in the past year compared to cisgender teens. Also, Cortland County transgender youth are nearly three times more likely to report that they considered attempting suicide in the past year compared to cisgender youth.
While statistics from Cortland County surrounding LGBTQ+ youth mental health are disheartening, there are ways in which you can help LGBTQ+ individuals through your own actions. Here’s some tips on how to be supportive of those who identify as LGBTQ+.
- Don’t assume someone’s pronouns. When unsure, introduce yourself + your pronouns and respectfully ask them for theirs!
- Be open to educating yourself. In order to be supportive of those who identify as LGBTQ+, it is important to educate yourself on their experiences and perspectives.
- Don’t treat someone’s identity as a “phase.”
- Ask them what you can best do to support them!
Cortland Prevention Resources is hosting its first ever Pride Month festival on Sunday, June 26th from 12pm-3pm at Courthouse Park! Individuals of all ages are encouraged to attend in celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. There will be food, giveaways, vendors, activities, and music. Some of the vendors include Highkey Science, the Cortland SPCA, Innervision Wellness, Main Street Farms, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
