June is a month full of celebration, especially for those in the LGBTQ+ community. As Pride Month brings out an abundance of joy, passion and bliss for LGBTQ+ individuals, it can be easy to overlook the very real struggles they face every day. Members of this community often suffer from mental health issues, substance use disorders and a lack of accessible healthcare at a much greater rate than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), LGB (lesbian, gay, bisexual) adults are more than twice as likely to experience a mental health condition. Transgender individuals are nearly four times more likely. Although serious mental health and substance abuse issues are prevalent throughout the LGBTQ+ community, those under the age of 25 are at the highest risk.

The Trevor Project, which offers nationally acclaimed LGBTQ+ crisis support services, recently published nationwide survey results involving more than 28,000 LGBTQ+ youth. Of those surveyed, 56% wanted but could not receive mental healthcare, and 41% had considered suicide in the past year. BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) LGBTQ+ youth are at even higher risk, as up to 76% experience symptoms of anxiety and depression.

These statistics are staggering, especially compared to non-LGBTQ+ peer responses. Lack of family support, bullying and increasingly discriminatory laws are some of the main reasons for the current state of LGBTQ+ youth mental health.

In the face of this mental health crisis, there are solutions to aid the LGBTQ+ community. For example, the promotion of visibility, support and inclusion drastically reduces suicides among LGBTQ+ youth. Support from friends and family, access to all-gender restrooms and enforceable anti-bullying policies are just a few simple and attainable solutions.

Because of these favorable outcomes, Zepf Center has taken calculated steps to provide accessible, inclusive mental and behavioral healthcare for youth in the Toledo Area—especially members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Zepf Center’s 24/7 emergency shelter is open to and accepting of youth regardless of their sexual orientation or gender expression. The shelter provides a safe environment to focus on healing and receive support from staff.

For those who need a safe space during the day, Zepf Center offers a Drop-In Center for youth ages 12-21. Hot meals, access to showers, laundry and community resource information are always available. The Drop-In Center is located at 2005 Ashland Ave. and is open Monday-Friday, noon-5 p.m.

For more information about Zepf Center’s youth programs, click here! If you or someone you know is under the age of 18 and in need of a safe place to stay, call or text 419-206-0926.

Zepf Center firmly believes everyone deserves accessible, safe and quality healthcare. As Zepf Center celebrates Pride Month, they remain committed to providing accepting and inclusive care for youth and adults in the Toledo area.

Trevor Project Survey: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2023/

Gallup Poll: https://news.gallup.com/poll/470708/lgbt-identification-steady.aspx

NAMI Resources: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQ?fbclid=IwAR2TwYz_Rh0iaxMRHx3SkyIDD6w6PA9ZahVfXABxoRIPF9lKfY-Nvi8anc4