Black LGBTQ+ mental health

People use many words for who they are, and some use none at all. The right word is the one you choose for yourself, and it is okay if it changes over time.

Culture, faith, country of origin and where you live (city, suburb or small town) all shape how it feels to be LGBTQ+. Your story is your own.

More than half (57%) of Black LGBT adults are under 35, and 61% are women.

In one national survey, about 6 in 10 Black LGBTQ young people said they had faced racial discrimination in the past year.

More than half of Black cisgender LGBQ young people (56%) and over three-quarters of Black trans and nonbinary young people (77%) reported discrimination because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Some people feel they must hide one identity to belong in one community. Living split in two is tiring. Finding spaces where you can be all of yourself is a real relief.

Expecting rejection or danger keeps your body on high alert. Over time this can affect sleep, mood and health. Rest and safe spaces matter.

There is no deadline. Safety comes first, especially if you rely on family for housing or money. Many people start with one trusted person, like a cousin, auntie or friend.

Some relatives need time. Small signs of acceptance, like using your name, welcoming your partner or standing up for you, all count and are linked to better mental health.

About two-thirds (68%) of Black trans and nonbinary young people said someone tried to convince them to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. Parents were the most common source.

About a third (34%) of Black trans and nonbinary young people had been homeless, kicked out or run away at some point. If you are not safe at home, reach out to The Trevor Project, a school counselor or a local LGBTQ+ center.

Your relationship with God or spirit is yours. Some people stay in their home church, some find a new one, and some practise faith in other ways. Each path is valid.

Many faith communities today welcome LGBTQ+ members, including some Black churches. You can quietly visit, read a church’s website, or ask LGBTQ+ friends where they worship.

Being told your identity is sinful can leave deep shame. An affirming therapist or faith leader can help you sort through it at your own pace.

Bayard Rustin organized the 1963 March on Washington, where about 250,000 people gathered. He was openly gay at a time when that was illegal, and some leaders tried to keep him out of view because of it. He later spoke out for gay rights too.

Crenshaw’s idea helps people understand how different kinds of unfairness overlap. It is now used around the world, including by LGBTQ+ people of color.

Mental Health America quotes Audre Lorde, who wrote that caring for herself was not self-indulgence but self-preservation.

Most Black trans and nonbinary young people (72%) reported strong friend support, which was linked to 39% lower odds of a suicide attempt.

Being called your name, wearing what feels right and being accepted can bring real joy. You deserve those moments.

Trans Lifeline offers emotional support to trans people in crisis. It will not call 911 or emergency services unless you ask it to.

Chosen family can include friends, partners, mentors and supportive relatives. They show up for holidays, hard days and big wins.

• Black LGBTQ+ social and support groups
• Campus groups for queer and trans students of color
• LGBTQ+ community centers
• Online communities with good moderation
• Pride events focused on Black and POC communities

For Black trans and nonbinary young people, strong friend support was linked to lower risk of a suicide attempt.

The National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network keeps a QTBIPOC directory of practitioners grounded in healing justice.

• “What experience do you have with Black LGBTQ+ clients?”
• “How do you approach racism and homophobia or transphobia in therapy?”
• “Will you use my name and pronouns?”
• “How do you work with clients whose faith matters to them?”

• Treating your identity as the problem
• Avoiding race or saying they “don’t see color”
• Refusing your name or pronouns
• Pushing you to change who you are

• Believe them about racism and about homophobia or transphobia
• Invite their partner to family events
• Listen without trying to fix or change them
• Stand up for them when others make jokes or comments
• Use the name and pronouns they ask for

• Asking them to hide who they are at church or family events
• Calling it a phase
• Pushing them to change
• Telling them to choose between being Black and being LGBTQ+

If you are struggling with what your faith teaches, talk with an affirming faith leader or counselor. Your child needs to know your love is not in question.

• Call: 1-866-488-7386
• Chat: thetrevorproject.org/get-help
• Text: START to 678-678

Free, confidential and available 24/7 from anywhere in the U.S.

• U.S.: (877) 565-8860
• Canada: (877) 330-6366

Hours are limited (weekday afternoons and evenings), so check the website for current times.

• Call: 1-888-843-4564

Hours are limited. Check lgbthotline.org for current times and its youth and senior lines.

Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time of day or night.

Text HOME to 741741 in the U.S. It is free and confidential.

Find A Helpline lists free, confidential helplines around the world, searchable by country and topic.