The journey to joy: LGBTQ+ mental health and the power of a tribe

LGBTQ+ teens are navigating a world that often misunderstands or excludes them. But with support, safe spaces and resilience, many find ways to thrive.

For teen and young adult members of the LGBTQ+ community, the journey to mental wellness is layered. Many have difficulty learning to live an authentic life, often facing depression and discrimination.

JoAnn Cook, a Teenscope therapist at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, works with teens ages 12 through 18 as they navigate sexual and gender identity. She said the key to addressing these matters starts with providing a safe place where people have the time and space to figure things out, without the fear of judgment. 

“We have to build rapport and trust so that they can do that inner work and then we guide them in identifying their own values, their own boundaries,” she said. “A kid has their own coming out process. They have a lot to explore. They say, ‘Whatever the world told me is wrong, so I have to trust myself over the world, and then I have to tell people.’ It’s a lot.”

As teens question their identity, they often face both acceptance and rejection. Coming out to friends and loved ones can be terrifying. Letting go of shame and finding places where they’re truly accepted takes time.

Research shows that if a queer teen has one person in their life supporting their choices, the risk of suicide, substance abuse and self-harm drops significantly. Cook said parents shouldn’t be hung up on asking teens what pronouns they prefer or how they want to identify, since these young people are still trying to figure it all out. What matters is encouragement along the way.

Cook said the rise in anti-trans bills across the country has substantially impacted the community, making it even more difficult for youth to navigate their mental health. Teens need to understand a world that continues to exclude them while trying to find acceptance.

“The political climate is pretty rough for the community, giving permission to people who are pretty cruel, so the harassment increases and the bullying increases,” Cook said. “That makes it harder for them, which increases anxiety, and then they feel isolated, so that oppression increases. Suicidal rates go up, self-harm rates go up and substance use rates go up.”

In 2023, Senate Bill 16 banned gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth in Utah. The ban was intended to give lawmakers time to study the treatment. The recently released, state-ordered study found positive results for gender-affirming care.

The Utah House Minority Caucus Leadership released a statement in May that read, “More than two years after the Utah Legislature banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth, we are encouraged that Utah healthcare experts have found strong evidence of positive mental health and psychosocial outcomes resulting from this care…Now that the Legislature-commissioned study has found overwhelmingly positive health outcomes, we must act to lift the ban.”

Cook said anti-trans legislation is intended to create fatigue and overwhelm in LGBTQ+ circles, especially as the number of bills targets a small percentage of the population. To combat unease and anxiety, she encourages youth to find like-minded, supportive people and trained therapists in the Salt Lake Valley. 

For those looking for community, places like Under the Umbrella bookstore (511 W. 200 South) sells books written by queer authors, hosts events and supports local artists. The Encircle organization provides resources and support for LGBTQ+ youth and family members. To learn more about Encircle, visit Encircletogether.org. 

As an advocate and member of the LGBTQ+ community, Cook said she’s faced many obstacles and built a network of support throughout her life. She said the antidote to fear and discouragement is joy. 

“Trans people, queer people, we have been around forever and we’ve had joy and we’ve lived our lives and there is love,” she said. “We figured it out before. Every generation is stronger and louder and healthier, and we’re going to push back.

“Our responsibility is to get healthy. Have joy, dance, have music and then go to the protest, talk to the people you know. Be safe, but stand up. When our neighbor is tired, we stand up next to them and keep marching forward. We’ve done it before. I’ve done it all my life. We will do it again. We’re not going away.” λ