Following the death of a non-binary high school student named Nex Benedict in Oklahoma, LGBTQ+ youth are reportedly seeking more support than usual from national crisis hotlines.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline recorded approximately 349 calls coming from Oklahoma between February 16 and 20, 2024, compared to the average 87 calls per week. Of the individuals who called the hotline from Nex’s home state, 69% said they were experiencing emotional distress due to Benedict’s passing. 85% claimed to have experienced bullying at school or online, while 79% feared for their physical safety. [Source: Them]

“A majority of LGBTQ young people reported being verbally harassed at school because people thought they were LGBTQ.” Moreover, “nearly 2 in 3 LGBTQ young people said that hearing about potential state or local laws banning people from discussing LGBTQ people at school made their mental health a lot worse.” [Source: Trevor Project}.

Meanwhile, approximately “half of transgender and nonbinary young people found their school to be gender-affirming, and those who did reported lower rates of attempting suicide.” Additionally, transgender and nonbinary young people who reported that all of the people they lived with respected their pronouns, lower rates of suicide attempts were found. (Source: Trevor Project). These findings demonstrate the direct correlation between an affirming school & home environment and improved mental health state of young LGBTQ+ individuals.

As anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and hate do not seem to be slowing down, we recognize the awful impact that these events have on LGBTQ+ folks of all ages. As therapists, we must utilize our unique position to override negative societal messaging by delivering positive messages about trans & gender-diverse expressions and identities, normalizing and validating TGD experiences, and by recognizing the strengths and resiliencies TGD youth possess as a result of their experience with gender (Family Therapy Magazine).

Our offerings include one-on-one counseling, family counseling, and educational public speaking engagements, all within the mission of empowering and supporting our LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, we work tirelessly to connect our gender-diverse clients to the gender-affirming care they desperately need.

Imagine a world in which LGBTQ+ youth feel supported, loved, accepted, and confident in who they are. Gender Wellness of Los Angeles wants to be a part of the solution.

If you find yourself in crisis, please call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at #988 (U.S.), or text TALK to 741741.

If you or a loved one is struggling on the journey with gender identity, we ask you to reach out via our contact form or call our office at (818) 855-1105. We are fully committed to supporting your gender wellness.

Take good care,

~The GenWell Staff