Mental health is an important issue for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for LGBTQIA+ individuals. This is due to the discrimination and stigma that they often face in their daily lives. It’s important to recognize that LGBTQIA+ people have unique needs when it comes to mental health, and that there are strategies we can use to support our LGBTQIA+ loved ones. In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways we can provide support for our LGBTQIA+ loved ones and help them stay mentally healthy. We’ll discuss topics such as creating a safe space, providing emotional support, understanding their unique needs, and more.

1. Educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ issues

Supporting the mental health of your LGBTQIA+ loved ones is an important task. As a family member or friend, it’s important to be aware of the issues that can affect their mental health and how to best provide support. This includes understanding the unique challenges they may face due to their gender identity, sexual identity and expression.

PFLAG has guides for family and friends supporting people who identify as LGBTQIA+, nonbinary and Transgender.

2. Check your own biases & don’t make assumptions

Be honest with yourself and consider whether or not you say or do anything that implies your acceptance is incomplete or conditional. Take a critical look at what you say and do. It’s okay to make mistakes, but it’s essential to recognize them so you can do better.

3. Respect their identity

You can take simple steps to respect the identity of your LGBTQIA+ loved one by affirming how they self-identity. Respect their pronouns and the name they want to be referred to.

Also be mindful not “out” them to other family members or friends without their permission. If they have shared their identity with you and told you not to tell anyone else, then respect their wishes.

4. Listen and be compassionate

It is important to provide a safe emotional space if your loved ones want to share with you about their identity or experiences. Listen to their experiences and validate their feelings.

Also, find ways to show them you care. You can educate other family members on LGBTQ identity, and supporting them if they’re faced with discrimination from family members.

5. Support Them in Accessing Mental Health Resources

Find information and resources from The Trevor Project, which provides a national, 24-hour, toll-free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth: 866-488-7386.

Share the It Gets Better Project, a campaign to share hopeful, inspiring stories.

Find providers from the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association Directory and the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists

Get more resources from the National Center for Transgender Equality, LGBTQ National Help Center, the Trans Lifeline, SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline, Centerlink LGBTQ Community Center Directory, and Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE)

Seek support from, or recommend a local NAMI support group. Find your local NAMI California affiliate here.

You can also support LGBTQ mental health by donating to LGBTQ-friendly mental health and anti-discrimination organizations like the Trevor Project, the Anti-Violence Project, and Trans Lifeline.