Why We Celebrate

The Trevor Project summarizes the data here of why supporting our LGBTQIA+ community is important:

• LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers (Johns et al., 2019; Johns et al., 2020).
• The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 (Hedegaard, Curtin, & Warner, 2018) — and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth are at significantly increased risk.
• The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health found that 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.

As the image above says - "Pride is important because someone tonight still believes they're better off dead than being queer." Your life matters.

If you are thinking about harming yourself — get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential and 100% free.

• Call the Trevor Project @ 1-866-488-7386
• Text ‘START’ to 678-678
• Dial 9-8-8 for the National Suicide Crisis Line

How Parents Can Support their LGBTQIA+ Teen

Tomorrow, June 13th from 230pm - 4pm on Facebook Live, EmpathyHQ is partnering with El Bosque Plus, "Chats with Ash" to discuss how Parents Can Support Their LGBTQIA+ Teens.

We recognize that parents may be struggling with how to have critical conversations with their teens (because teens can be hard in general!). Join us for an open dialogue to discuss how to support youth, deal with conflict in extended family, navigate the healthcare system, and more.

Check out our previous article in conjunction with Recognize & Rise, an Initiative of the Mental Health Connection Tarrant County: Understanding Suicide Risks in LGBTQ+ Teens

Sharon Herrera joined the EmpathyHQ Board of Directors in March 2023.  Her Bio reflects only a few of her well-deserved awards for her work saving lives as the Founder and Executive Director of local non-profit LGBTQ Saves. Sharon was recently selected as one of 50 Fort Worth Latino Leaders, as well as being named the 2023 Bold Woman Award at the Girls Inc. of Tarrant County Champions Breakfast for her outstanding work to support LGBTQ Youth. We are grateful for her advocacy for our youth!