A Trevor Project Survey released on April 23, 2025 has found transgender and nonbinary youth were more likely to experience food insecurity, houselessness and unmet basic needs compared to peers. In fact, 40% ofLGBTQ+ youth report a history of food insecurity, houselessness, or unmet basic needs. In addition, transgender and nonbinary yourg were over 70% more likely to experience food insecurity and houselessness — and 67% more likely to have unmet basic needs — compared to cisgender, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Those challenges were all linked to higher chances of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation and attempts.
Also, according to a May 2024 report, LGBTQ+ youth mental health has been impacted by the spread of anti-LGBTQ policies nationwide, with 90% of LGBTQ+ youth saying their well-being was negatively impacted due to recent legislation. That’s compared to just 66% the year before who said that hearing about potential local or state laws worsened their mental health.
Likewise, a separate August 2024 report from the Trevor Project showed that nearly a third of LGBTQ+ secondary and postsecondary students ages 13 to 24 said they attended a school with at least one anti-LGBTQ+ policy, like curriculum restrictions on gender and identity issues.
Despite the array of challenges that LGBTQ+ youth are facing, mental health access for this student group remains a challenge. About half of LGBTQ+ students said they wanted mental health care but were unable to receive it, per the May 2024 report.
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