Public Advocate Letitia James published a resource guide for those in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community struggling with mental health issues. The guide is published in honor of LGBT Pride Month, which follows Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May.
“While the LGBT community has made great strides, there is still a lot of work to be done to create full equality, which includes equal access to programs and services,” said James.
The resource guide is broken down by borough. In Brooklyn, those in need can visit the Brooklyn Community Pride Center, which offers support groups to the LGBT community in Brooklyn. Gay Men of African Descent has licensed professional who offer individual, couples, and group services for gay men of color. Teens in need of support can visit Health and Educational Alternatives for Teens, which offers mental health service, hormone therapy treatment and confidential HIV and STD/STI screening, as well as treatment.
James’ office also noted tenants with vouchers from the HIV/AIDS Services Administration face discrimination by landlords. HASA is a citywide program that provides individualized plans for clients to give them the necessary benefits and support, including Medicaid, SNAP, emergency transitional housing and non-emergency housing.
James has urged the passage of the Gender Expression Nondiscrimination Act, which deters discrimination based on gender identity or expression. James hopes to secure more funding for runaway and homeless youth shelters. She has petitioned the city’s Board of Corrections for a reform in the way that LGBT inmates are treated.
James points out that members of the LGBT community already have to overcome the challenges they face based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is an added difficulty to have to then overcome the stigma that accompanies having a mental illness.
“I have heard stories in our city where individuals seek out help but are not sharing their sexual orientation with their provider for fear of rejection. Others choose not to seek out services at all, until it’s too late. We as a society must erase stigmas and offer help to those in need.”
The borough’s only LBGT political club, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, applauded James for creating this resource guide.
“All too often, members of our community may hide or not seek care for a mental health condition until it’s too late. This guide provides a great set of organizations where everyone from students to older adults to those living with HIV/AIDS can turn for specialized care. We look forward to seeing it around Brooklyn,” Lamda said in a statement.
According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, lesbian and bisexual women who were “out” were up to 2.5 times more likely to have suicidal thoughts. Women who were not “out” were more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual women. Gay men experience depression and anxiety at a higher rate and more severely than men who are not “out”. Negative experiences following “coming out”, such as verbal and physical abuse, can lead to substance abuse and higher rates of suicide.
