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June 15, 2023
Media contacts: Jonathan Modie, OHA, 971-246-9139, PHD.Communications@dhsoha.state.or.us
As school year wraps up, agency reaffirms commitment to youth, families
PORTLAND, Ore. — As some states consider and implement policies limiting rights and services for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, two-spirit, questioning and (+) (LGBTQIA2S+) Oregonians – particularly youth – may be experiencing stress, anxiety and trauma.
That’s why Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is helping celebrate gender and sexual orientation diversity during June’s Pride Month by highlighting resources for youth that promote well-being, safety, security and inclusion as the school year comes to an end and summer gets under way.
“Pride is an opportunity for OHA to reaffirm its commitment to supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth and families as part of Pride,” said OHA Interim Director David Baden. “This is a critical time of the year – the start of summer – when youth most need the supports from families and community organizations that celebrate their unique and diverse identities.”
OHA encourages family members and communities to join in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ young people this summer. “The season can be a particularly challenging time for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, who lose many of the supports they had access to during the school year.” Baden said.
Communities, families and trusted adults play a critical role in contributing to and supporting their LGBTQIA2S+ children’s well-being. Families that promote self-esteem, overall health and strong, affirming relationships protect LGBTQIA2S+ young people against potential suicidal behavior, depression and substance use.
Many local, state and national resources are available for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and families to help them thrive as summer kicks off:
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TransActive Gender Project at Lewis & Clark Graduate School works to empower transgender and gender-expansive children, youth and their families in living healthy lives free of discrimination through a range of services and expertise.
- PFLAG offers quick tips to parents and caregivers for supporting their LGBTQIA2S+ children during the coming-out process. PFLAG also has eight chapters in Oregon, including in eastern, southern and central Oregon and the Portland metro area.
- The Family Acceptance Project works to increase family and community support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, decrease health and mental health risks, and promote well-being. An Oregon page also is available.
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The Trevor Project promotes suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQIA2S+ young people. Public education materials are available on its website, and it recently published the results of its 2023 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People.
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Outside In (Portland) welcomes and encourage all from the LGBTQIA2S+ community to connect, feel seen and heard, and provides free resources such as counseling, medical services and wraparound support for homeless youth and other marginalized people who meet diagnostic criteria. Call 503-535-3828.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers a number of resources for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, and their friends and supporters, on its website. The CDC also provides professional development resources for teachers and school staff.
- The Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity at the University of Maryland aims to address disparities in mental health and substance use disorder treatment systems that affect the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The center published a short video last year on basic terminology that is important for people to know when working with those of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities.
- New Avenues for Youth’s Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Center provides culturally specific support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
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The Next Door provides youth outreach in schools, life skills training and mentoring programs like Gorge Youth Mentoring. It supports a youth advisory council, gender-affirming locker rooms and, in partnership with Columbia Gorge Pride Alliance, promotes 30 Days of Gay events as part of Pride Month in June.
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Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living provides safe spaces, community building and empowerment for two-spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities, with and without disabilities, and allies in 13 eastern Oregon counties. As one of the largest and oldest two-spirit and LGBTQIA+ service providers and employers in eastern Oregon, EOCIL proudly serves the two-spirit and LGBTQIA+ communities of Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Hood River, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco and Wheeler.
- The Rogue Action Center is a diverse network of LGBTQ+ community members and groups in Josephine and Jackson counties that build community, shift policy and build power, help folks navigate resources and close gaps to accessing basic needs, and lift up leadership in our communities.
OHA works with other state agencies, counties, Tribal nations, communities and advocacy groups across the state to ensure youth in Oregon have access to support and services, including offering links and contact information to help lines and other resources:
- The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7, is for people in any type of behavioral health crisis, such as mental health-related distress, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or substance use crisis. People can get help by calling 988, texting 988 or chatting online at 988lifeline.org.
- 988 offers specialized support for LGBTQIA2S+ youth under age 25 by calling 988 and pressing 3 or texting “Q” to 988.
- Oregon launched the Safe + Strong Helpline and website at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide support for those struggling with the loss of loved ones and lifestyle changes. The Safe + Strong Helpline, 1-800-923- HELP (4357), is available 24/7. More help and resources are available in multiple languages on the Safe + Strong website.
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Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide is dedicated to preventing youth and young adults in Oregon from dying by suicide. Call 503-399-7201 for more information (not a crisis hotline).
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