Statement on the Stigmatization of LGBTQ+ Youth
Tinton Falls, NJ (July 10, 2023) – Select Boards of Education throughout New Jersey have in recent months proposed and, in some cases, passed policies that will not only stigmatize LGBTQ+ youth but may jeopardize their safety. The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County and our national affiliate, Mental Health America, cannot support policies that potentially have serious adverse effects on youth mental health.
While we respect the need to educate families and keep them informed, it is irresponsible and dangerous to assume that every transgender student is supported by an accepting and caring household where they feel secure enough to be their most genuine selves.
Data from The Trevor Project suggests that among LGBTQ+ youth, one-third experience parental acceptance, one-third experience parental rejection, and one-third do not disclose their LGBTQ+ identity until they are adults. Of these same LGBTQ+ youth who report high levels of parental rejection, they are eight times more likely to report attempting suicide and six times more likely to report high levels of depression.
Gender-affirming spaces, especially in New Jersey schools, are critical to the safety and security of our LGBTQ+ youth. When schools provide inclusive policies related to transgender students, they foster higher levels of belongingness that are necessary for mental wellness.
Board of Education policies that force someone who is not ready to reveal their LGBTQ+ identity can have devastating implications on their mental health and well-being. The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County stands with our LGBTQ+ youth against the proposed and adopted policies, and we remain committed to assisting schools in any way with educating administration, faculty, and parents on ways to support the mental health and wellness for all students.
Resources for Youth and Families:
Garden State Equality – “We’re Here for You”
LGBTQ+ Students and School Staff in New Jersey: We’re Here for You
The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/
If you are thinking of harming yourself, get immediate support.
Call (866) 488-7386 or text START to 678-678 | Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7 from anywhere in the US. 100% confidential and free.
988 – Call or Text
Lifeline Chat and Text is a service of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), connecting individuals with crisis counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat or texting 988.
The Pride Center of NJ
Call (732) 846-2232 or email [email protected]
85 Raritan Avenue, Suite 100
Highland Park, NJ 08904
Locate a PFLAG Chapter
https://pflag.org/findachapter
QSpot LGBT Community Center
Call (732) 455-3373 or email [email protected]
1601 Asbury Avenue
Asbury Park, NJ 07712
National List of LGBTQ+ Resources
https://mhanational.org/issues/lgbtq-communities-and-mental-health
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About Mental Health Association of Monmouth County
Established in 1950, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County is an affiliate of the national nonprofit Mental Health America. Our professional staff has been on the forefront of creating a meaningful system of mental health care that strategically focuses on eliminating social barriers and mental health discrimination. With over 15 free programs and services, we create healthy communities for the future.
