Home > LGBTQ Health Awareness Week
The National Coalition for LGBTQ Health declared March 21-25, 2022 as the 20th National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week.
Across our Network, Centers are hosting events this week, and in the coming months, promoting LGBTQ mental health awareness for professionals, the community, and allies.
Upcoming Events from the MHTTC Network
Sexual and Gender Minority (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Non-binary, and Queer) Youth | Mountain Plains MHTTC
March 24
This webinar will provide information on the most common terms and descriptions of sexual and gender categories used by youth, present the most recent statistics detailing prevalence of sexual and gender minorities in younger age groups, and review broadly how these youth may experience the school environment (including discussion of school community and policy). We discuss both a mental health care perspective on individual intervention in addition to providing recommendations for increasing staff competency and advocating for school-wide support services. Specific attention will also be given to the unique needs of this population in rural settings
How to Signal You are an Affirming Provider & How to Respond When a Young Person Discloses their SOGIE | Southeast MHTTC
April 20
Session 1 of a 3-part series, hosted in collaboration with the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity, will provide guidance on what types of school policies and strategies can be implemented to help promote and build an affirming environment for LGBTQ+ young people. Attendees will also learn strategies for responding when a student discloses their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and expression (SOGIE).
Supporting Families of LGBTQ+ Students | Southeast MHTTC
May 5
Session 2 of a 3-part series, hosted in collaboration with the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity, will provide helpful tips on working with families and other caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth. Some families may struggle to understand their child or youth’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Some may fear rejection from their own communities or fear what the future may hold for their family. During this session, attendees will hear about the importance of family support, strategies for helping families process their feelings, and promising programs that are making strides towards creating evidence-based programs for families of LGBTQ+ youth.
Safety Planning for LGBTQ+ Students | Southeast MHTTC
May 18
Session 3 of a 3-part series, hosted in collaboration with the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity, will provide information on safety planning with LGBTQ+ youth. Safety planning is a protective measure that can be implemented with youth in situations that may lead to distress and crisis — from disclosing their identities to engaging in gender-segregated activities. This session will cover: (1) assessment of available supports for LGBTQ+ youth; (2) anticipation of challenges LBGTQ+ youth may face in distressing situations; and (3) tools that can help youth cope through difficult times.
Resources from the MHTTC Network
Addressing Our Bias when Working with the LGBTQ+ Community Part III
Diversity & Difference | Podcast
Engaging LGBT Elders in Prevention Programs
Equity, Recovery, & Resilience | Recorded Webinar
LGBT Elders after COVID: Healing, Emerging, Connecting Recording
LGBTQ Youth Tobacco Prevention: COVID-19 and Lung Vulnerability Recording
Managing Anxiety and Depression for LGBTQ Populations During COVID-19 Recording
Putting It Together: Transgender Mental Health | Podcast
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Schools: Improving the School Experiences of LGBTQ+ Students (Part 2)
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in Schools: Understanding the school experiences of LGBTQ+ students (Part 1)
Transgender Mental Health: Co-Conspiratorship | Q&A Document
Transgender Mental Health: Co-Conspiratorship | Recorded Webinar
Other Resources and Information
Bending the Mold: An Action Kit for Transgender Students
Center of Excellence in LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity
The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
LGBTQ+ Youth and Family Website
Support for LGBTQ Youth Starts at Home: An #AsYouAre Project