Being surrounded by a supportive community, including peers, leaders and mentors can change the direction of someone’s life. Inclusive youth and mentorship programs can help LGBTQ+ teens stay grounded, providing the affirmation and direction they need for healthy development at a critical stage of life. Let’s discuss why these services are important for Orange County’s youth.
Why Do Youth & Mentorship Programs Matter for LGBTQ+ Teens?
All adolescents experience the challenges associated with the transition from the teenage years to becoming a young adult. It’s an interesting and potentially awkward time of discovery, and for LGBTQ+ youth (especially those with marginalized identities) can face compounded hardships. Below are some of the reasons that mentorship and youth-focused care matter for this population.
Disparities in Available Healthcare & Education
Unfortunately there are still many misconceptions and misunderstandings about identity and human sexuality. This makes it difficult for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults to find healthcare providers who deliver care without trying to change them, or that will accept them as patients in the first place.
Combined with the abstinence-centered sex education presented in some classrooms, this can make finding good education about developing bodies difficult. When comprehensive care in youth development programs is focused on holistic healthcare for medical and behavioral health, it leads to much better outcomes for this vulnerable population.
Access to Life-Saving Resources and Services
Gender-affirming care saves lives. Available comprehensive sex education and STD and STI testing saves lives. Access to mental health resources and housing and social services saves lives too.
According to a recent survey by The Trevor Project, 28% of LGBTQ+ youth experienced homelessness at some point. Of those who did, when compared with their peers in stable housing, the youth were four times as likely to experience depression and anxiety, engage in self-harm, or consider or attempt suicide.
Programs built with accessible social services, medical care and peer activities for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults provide a network that educates and elevates the lives of participants. This is beneficial, life-saving care.
Youth Programs Allow for More Than Basic Survival
Young people need space to breathe and dream about their future, which requires them to know they are safe. Teens and young adults should be thinking about what’s next—for instance, should they attend college or trade school? Ideally they’d be considering multiple possibilities, and what kind of life they envision for their future, rather than trying desperately to secure housing—or their next meal.
Youth and mentorship programs geared toward LGBTQ+ teens allow them to meet with peers and people who care about them, giving them the freedom to live beyond survival mode.
Cohesive LGBTQ+ Youth Care Positively Affects the County
LGBTQ+ youth are not the only beneficiaries of mentorship and care programs. When young people receive supportive healthcare and counseling and can participate in safe social activities, they get the opportunity to develop into well-rounded adults. All young people deserve to feel safe and engage in everyday life activities without worry. They are the future of Orange County and the world. Their development is precious.
Get LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care & Mentorship in Orange County
Radiant Health Centers has been a beacon of hope for affirming healthcare for LGBTQ+ teens, youth and their families in Irvine, Santa Ana and The OC. From our medical and mental health providers to our youth-focused mentorship and social services programs for ages 12–26, we are here to help you live well and excel in your endeavors. To get started with us, request an appointment or call (949) 809-5700.
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