LGBTQ+ Health: Youth
The pre-teen, teen, and young adult years are a time of important growth and change. During this period, people experience many changes, including:
- Social and cognitive growth.
- Puberty.
- Other physical changes.
Nationwide, LGBTQ+ people face a number of health disparities. In Wisconsin, LGBTQ+ youth face unique health concerns, having higher rates of:
- Suicide attempts.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol and substance use.
- Experiencing sexual violence.
Young people who are transgender and nonbinary may also need gender affirming care.
The following resources can help you understand health issues affecting LGBTQ+ youth.
Are you in crisis?
If you are in crisis, get free 24/7 anonymous help:
- Text 678678
- Chat
- Call 866-488-7386
The Trevor Project 24/7 Hotline is 100% confidential and 100% free.
Resources
- Advocates for Youth—Education for LGBTQ+ youth about health issues.
- Diverse and Resilient —Organization working to achieve health equity and improve the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and communities in Wisconsin
- Health Considerations for LGBTQ Youth—CDC collection of reports about health outcomes, risks, and disparities among LGBTQ+ youth.
- LGBT Center of Southeastern Wisconsin—Programs in Wisconsin focused on creating safe spaces and providing virtual support groups.
- Q2: Chippewa Valley LGBTQ+ Youth Group—Group for LGBTQ+ youth or allies between the ages of 12-18. Provides a safe space to talk about LGBTQ issues and meet other LGBTQ+ youth.
- Matthew Shepard Foundation—Resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Out of Yer Shells—Resources for trans and gender non-conforming youth.
- U.S. Health and Human Services—Nation-wide information on LGBTQ+ issues.
- Pride Institute—LGBTQ+ drug and alcohol addiction treatment center
- About addiction—Information about addiction among LGBTQ+ people
- Proud Voices—A podcast featuring LGBTQ+ people in recovery
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Gay and Bisexual Men—Information about cancer risk, prevention, and detection
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Lesbian and Bisexual Women—Information about cancer risk, prevention, and detection
- National LGBT Cancer Network—Information about cancer risks and an online screening reminder
- National LGBT Cancer Project—LGBTQ group that supports and advocates for cancer survivors
- Gender Health Clinic—Gender affirming care at Children's Wisconsin.
- Inclusion Health Clinic — LGBTQ+ services in the Milwaukee area.
- Path Clinic for Gender Identity—Gender affirming care at UW in Madison.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)—Information on mental health among LGBTQ+ people
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—Free 24/7 support service for people in stressful situations. These include thoughts of suicide, mental health concerns, or a substance abuse issues. Call or text 988.
- The Trevor Project—A national group focused on crisis and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. Toll-free hotline: 866-488-7386. You can also contact The Trevor Project's counselors by text or chat.
- The LGBT National Help Center—Peer support, hotlines and chats for youth and young adults.
- Trans Lifeline —A trans-led community providing a hotline and resources for people of all ages.
- CDC: Sexually Transmitted Infections—Information about STIs
- HIV in Youth—Information about HIV prevention
- LGBTQ+ Youth Sexual Health —A collection of information on many aspects of sexual health for youth
- CDC: Tips from Former Smokers—Real stories of LGBTQ+ people struggling with smoking-related conditions
- Smokefree.gov—Government resource to help you or someone you care about quit smoking
- Truth Initiative—Fact sheet on commercial tobacco use in the LGBTQ+ community
- Diverse and Resilient Wisconsin organization helping LGBTQ+ people stay safe.
- Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools (GSAFE)—Resources to create just schools for LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin
- Northwest Network—Support for people who have experienced domestic violence or abuse
- StopBullying.gov—Resources for stopping and preventing bullying