New Report on Black and African American LGBTQ Youth, Spotlights Unique Challenges

Feb 22, 2024

Staff writer
Feb 22, 2024

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), in collaboration with the University of Connecticut, has produced a comprehensive report on Black and African American LGBTQ youth, spotlighting the unique challenges and resilience within this community. This research, part of a larger effort to understand the varied experiences of LGBTQ youth, dives deep into the intersection of racial and LGBTQ+ identities and their impact on the well-being of Black LGBTQ+ youth.

The HRC and UConn survey brings to light the pervasive discrimination faced by Black LGBTQ+ youth. More than three-quarters of respondents reported hearing negative comments about LGBTQ+ individuals from family members, and nearly half experienced ridicule from family for their LGBTQ+ identity. This discrimination extends beyond the familial realm, with 67% of participants facing verbal insults due to their LGBTQ+ identity and 90% encountering racial discrimination. Additionally, the survey revealed profound mental health challenges, with 80% of these youth frequently feeling depressed, anxious, or under stress, and nearly half grappling with negative feelings towards their LGBTQ+ identities [oai_citation:1,HRC and UCONN Survey Reveals Black LGBTQ Youth Are at Heightened Risk for Discrimination – Human Rights Campaign (https://www.hrc.org/news/hrc-and-uconn-survey-reveals-black-lgbtq-youth-are-at-heightened-risk-for-d).

In parallel, The Trevor Project’s findings underscore the severe mental health disparities among Black LGBTQ+ youth. Notably, 17% reported being physically threatened or harmed due to their LGBTQ+ identity, and this figure rises to 25% for Black transgender and nonbinary youth when considering threats or harm due to their gender identity. Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope through protective factors. A significant majority (82%) reported having at least one supportive person in their life, and high family support correlated with lower rates of attempted suicide among Black transgender and nonbinary youth. Access to LGBTQ-affirming spaces also emerged as a critical protective factor, with those having access to such spaces showing a 50% lower rate of suicide attempts compared to their peers without access [oai_citation:2,All Black Lives Matter: Mental Health of Black LGBTQ Youth | The Trevor Project](https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/all-black-lives-matter-mental-health-of-black-lgbtq-youth/).

These findings point to a complex landscape for Black LGBTQ+ youth, who navigate both racial and LGBTQ+ identities amidst systemic barriers. The study not only highlights the discrimination and mental health challenges faced by these youth but also illuminates the resilience and potential for positive outcomes through support and affirmation.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Families, schools, and communities must become more aware and supportive, creating environments that affirm the identities of Black LGBTQ+ youth. Youth-serving professionals need training in inclusivity and anti-racism to effectively support these youth. Furthermore, the availability of LGBTQ+-affirming spaces is crucial for the mental health and well-being of Black LGBTQ+ youth, underscoring the importance of such spaces in mitigating the risk of suicide.

This report serves as a crucial call to action for stakeholders across society to prioritize the needs and well-being of Black LGBTQ+ youth. By dismantling systemic barriers and fostering supportive, inclusive environments, we can ensure that Black LGBTQ+ youth are empowered to thrive, contributing to a more equitable and just society for all.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.