Greater Sullivan County Public Health Network supports the mental health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals. The 2021 Greater Sullivan County Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that 64% of LGB individuals felt sad or hopeless during the past 12 months. We recognize that improving the health of people in these communities through increasing protective factors such as community belonging is a public health priority.
Explore local and national resources for LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals and allies.
Validating individuals, learning about LGBTQIA+ identities, showing visual signs(pronoun pins, posters, flags, etc.), and creating GSAs are just a few of the ways to implement this in your home, school or community.
LGBTQIA+ youth reported feeling good about their identity when they saw other LGBTQIA+ celebrities in film, sports and music. Show public support for policies that promote LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Welcoming LGBTQIA+ friends or partners, being respectful of youth identities, and using names and pronouns correctly are the top three reported ways that LGBTQ youth feel supported by their caregivers.
Providing resources and emotional support can make it easier for LGBTQIA+ youth to reach out for guidance.
Open and honest communication, emotional support, and quality time spent with family members can encourage strong familial bonds.
Community-led action must be prioritized and sustained for a more mentally healthy future. Any kind of support can especially be impactful as there is power in numbers.
Focusing only on disparities leads to the possible erasure of true experiences of youth of color. Acknowledging the strengths in a community can improve mental health and wellness.
A sense of belonging and inclusion in communities is vital for well-being and mental health. This can reduce feelings of isolation for youth of color.
Offering trainings to promote education and inclusivity within homes, schools, and the community.
Supporting Gender-Sexuality Alliances at local schools through providing resources, connecting with community partners, and offering advocacy workshops.
Promoting materials supporting LGBTQIA+ and/or BIPOC individuals through @gscpublichealth Instagram and Greater Sullivan County PHN Facebook pages.
The Affirming Spaces Project is on a mission to help local businesses and organizations create more welcoming and affirming spaces for all. If your organization is interested in a free one hour training to become a partner, fill out the form here.
If you have any questions about the Affirming Spaces Project training or are interested in a community training supporting LGBTQIA+ and/or BIPOC individuals, please reach out to Hanna Brooks at hanna.n.brooks@hitchcock.org.
