By Trimmel Gomes Public News Service
As Pride Month events unfold across Florida, a new report found LGBTQ+ youth are struggling with mental health at higher rates than their peers.
The report showed 61% of LGBTQ+ youth rate their mental health as fair or poor. Top stressors include family issues and homophobic or transphobic sentiments.
Jack Petocz, director of partnerships for the advocacy group Gen Z for Change, grew up queer in Flagler County, one of the reddest parts of Florida. He led walkouts against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill and was suspended for passing out Pride flags. Petocz stressed state attacks on queer youth have real consequences.
“Attacking the most fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ young people, whether it be access to gender-affirming health care or their right to representation in public schools, that takes a real toll on the mental health of queer kids,” Petocz explained. “I know it took a toll on my own personal mental health.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis said his policies protect children, but critics countered that the laws stigmatize queer youth.
Nearly all LGBTQ+ youth in the report can still name a source of hope, including supportive friends and Gen Z activism. Petocz added the youth movement in Florida is strong and undeniable.
Amy Green, head of research for HopeLab, a social innovation lab focused on youth mental health, said federal funding for LGBTQ+ well-being has been nearly eliminated, creating a cascade of consequences.
“They’re both losing access to services, to research about them, and they’re hearing about it, which in turn creates more sense of despair and stress for them,” Green observed.
Green noted school supports for queer students are decreasing. She called for action across families, schools and policymakers. She emphasized that while young people are organizing, adults must stand alongside them and not leave the work to the youth alone.
Petocz underscored that the most important thing adults can do is check in on the queer young people in their lives and be firm advocates at the ballot box and beyond.