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Aired May 11, 2023

The Experiences of LGBTQ+ Youth in Military Families

Activation Warning: The article selected and this week’s discussion briefly mentions anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

LGBTQ+ people under the age of 24, with at least one parent in the military, who have family support are more than 40% less likely to experience anxiety, depression, or to report a suicide attempt than those who do not have family support. Discussing and understanding what family support looks like and feels like for these young people, how providers can be more culturally competent, and providing support resources to LGBTQ+ families are paramount to ensuring more positive mental health outcomes.

We hosted a conversation about this article as a part of PFLAG Connects and Something to Talk About Live on Thursday, May 11. Did you miss it? You can still watch it here!

Article: LGBTQ Military Kids Attempted Suicide at Much Higher Rate Than Their Civilian Peers, New Research Finds

Source: Military.com

Author: Patricia Kime

Questions for Discussion:

  1. Does any of the data outlined in this article about the experiences of LGBTQ+ young people with at least one parent in the military surprise you? Why or why not?
  2. How do you think the diverse experiences of military families (e.g., living on a military base or not, having a parent who is deployed or not) may impact the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people that have a parent in the military?
  3. What can advocates and allies do to better support LGBTQ+ young people who have a parent in the military? What about LGBTQ+ military members and veterans?

Bonus Resources: Check out “LGBTQ+ Military Members and Veterans Face Economic, Housing, and Health Insecurities” by Lindsay Mahowald from the Center for American Progress and these resources for LGBTQ+ veterans and their families recommended by SPARTA.

About Our Guests:

Alleria Stanley, Communications Director, SPARTA

Becca Stewart

Something to Talk About Live is a series designed by PFLAG National’s Straight for Equality program to create conversation about LGBTQ+ issues. Each week we offer an article on LGBTQ+ topics and suggest a few questions you can use to lead a discussion with your ERG, community group, or PFLAG chapter.