Resources for LGBT Teens

An interview with TeenVogue Magazine and Steve Mehdelsohn of the Trevor Project According to the Trevor Project, a young person contemplates suicide every 95 minutes. Beyond that, LGB youth are four times as likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers, and LGBTQ youth are eight times more likely to attempt it if they’ve been thrown […]

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Coming out again … and again … and again

Contributed to LGBT Weekly BY LAILA IBRAHIM We talk about coming out as if it’s something you only do once.  In my experience it’s an ongoing part of life. Sometimes it’s easy, and other times it makes my stomach flutter. I first came out as a lesbian 30 years ago when I was still in […]

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LGBTQ Youth Health: What to Talk About During Pride Month

By Justin Toro and Donna Futterman, M.D., US News Health  June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning – or LGBTQ – Pride Month. For many, it’s the colorful and provocative gay pride parades that define the occasion, but beyond the glitter lies a much deeper meaning. LGBTQ Pride acknowledges this community’s violent struggle, pays homage […]

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Transgender Students and School Bathrooms

Compiled by GenderSpectrum.org Gender Spectrum has released, Transgender Students and School Bathrooms: Frequently Asked Questions to address many of the common questions that arise for school leaders at the school and district level as they work to create gender-inclusive school environments. Anticipating and listening to these concerns and providing concrete responses to them will allow […]

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Understanding differences in mental health symptoms in the LGBTQ community

Reported By: News-Medical  |  Study By: Drexel University  A study exploring the prevalence of mental health symptoms in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning (LGBQ) community, found that the oft-overlooked questioning and bisexual youth face their own significant challenges, particularly when it comes to depression, anxiety and traumatic distress. “I think the failure to include […]

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Probing The Complexities Of Transgender Mental Health

Written By:  Tara Haelle, for NPR Experiencing the world as a different gender than the one assigned you at birth can take a toll. Nearly all research into transgender individuals’ mental health shows poorer outcomes. A new study looking specifically at transgender women, predominantly women of color, only further confirms that reality. What’s less clear, […]

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LGBTQQ Youth and Health

Written By: Rodrigo Garcia-Reyes, Outlet Program Spanish-language and Education Coordinator  22 states, including California and the District of Columbia require public schools teach sex education. 35 states and the District of Columbia allow parents to opt-out on behalf of their children.  A 2011 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey indicates that more than […]

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Substance Abuse in the LGBTQQ+ Community

Written By: Dafne Luna, Outlet Program Coordinator The use of recreational drugs and alcohol in this community is incredibly widespread and, unfortunately, is sometimes encouraged as a cultural norm. For many queer and trans* youth, drinking is almost a rite of passage into Queer culture. There are very few places, meetups, and activities where large […]

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Timeline: Key events in the history of U.S. gay rights

Image: LSE Library, Gay Pride Banners 1974   ** ACS is the home of the Outlet program, a prominent peninsula LGBTQQ community support organization.  We strive to bring awareness to the LGBTQQ community and the struggles faced by this population-help us celebrate PRIDE month by visiting our PRIDE page today! **     A timeline […]

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Salinas High Crowns its first Transgender Prom Queen

Image: Crowns for the Cause, Effie Horning Interview by: Roberto M. Robledo    In an interview with The Salinas Californian, the 18-year-old related her story of transition. It is a story of hardship, violence, hatred, love, joy, tears, laughter, pride and acceptance. •The Salinas Californian: When did you become Angie? Angie Esteban:“I kind of already […]

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