Our trans peers are under attack. From last month’s icky anti-drag bills in Tennessee to the recent anti-trans legislation in Florida and countless other bills targeting the transgender community, the current news cycle has many young people fearing for their safety and the safety of their peers. 

Pride Month is only a couple of weeks away, and now is the perfect time to start building up your mental health toolkit so that we show up and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.  So, let’s take a walk over to the intersection of trans rights and mental health.

With so much going on, it’s no wonder why experts and advocates are concerned about youth mental health. A poll by The Trevor Project states that 86% of trans and nonbinary youth report negative mental health impacts due to the recent news of anti-trans legislation. Equitable access to mental health resources is a must, because it helps us protect our trans peers who may be facing grave news every time they turn on the news. 

So, how can we keep up the good vibes and show our trans peers that they belong? We’re feeling super inspired by the organizers of Washington DC’s first-ever trans prom held in front of the US Capitol building. We see you, using joy and love to combat hate 👏

DoSomething is here to help, with a diverse mental health resource hub and an opportunity to advocate for equitable mental health resources in your community.

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

We’re so pumped that DoSomething members are making strides to share mental health resources with their peers with It’s (NOT) All In Your Head. Here’s what our members are saying:

“Growing up in a Hispanic household we were taught to not show our emotions and keep them inside,” said DoSomething member Martin B., from Wisconsin. “I've had many breakdowns due to this and only recently when my sister passed away has my family been more considerate and open to being vulnerable. I don't want people to feel like they need to suffer a tragic loss to open up to the people close to them, having these sheets up will at the very minimum get them thinking about maybe reaching out. I put these sheets in places where you are most likely to be alone and feel comfortable ripping a piece out. I'm very introverted and know the thinking process of taking a piece of paper where everyone can see. Anxiety is something really serious, social anxiety is what stops people from asking for help and I want to change that.”

DoSomething member Lisette C., from Illinois, said “I have struggled with mental health my whole life and it took me 20 years to gain the courage to seek help. Therapy has really helped me become a better person for myself and others around me. I felt alone and I didn't know how to help myself as a kid. I want to share resources to give guidance and strength to those who are fighting silent battles. Some days are still hard, but I believe transparency about mental health helps young people become better people.”

Big news… is that the US Surgeon General is recognizing the negative impact that social media has on youth mental health. That’s right, digital wellbeing is making it all the way to the top levels of government!

A glimmer of hope… Last week was International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia and President Joe Biden made a bold statement in support of trans youth, stating that “every person should be able to live without fear.” 👏

Going viral for good… are so-called “stand-in parents” who are stepping up to help LGBTQIA+ youth who have been rejected from their families. This all happened because of a viral Tiktok.. pretty cool!

A big W… In a recent article from the New York Times, a therapist speaks up about how seeking mental health resources during large social movements has helped many people strengthen their personal relationships. Therapy for the win!

FastWeb

If you’re going to work this summer, find a job that pays for your college tuition!! Big-brand companies are offering student perks including 100% paid tuition, fees, books & more.

CollegeXpress

Who doesn't love reading?! As we gear up for summer, we're thinking of all the fantastic books we want to add to our "must-read" list for long days at the pool or beach. Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving you the opportunity to earn a scholarship...just by sharing your favorite book recommendation! Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered to earn a $1,300 scholarship: What is a good book you'd recommend to a friend for the summer?

Finding this newsletter useful? Forward today's edition to a friend and encourage them to subscribe.