During Pride Month, Davids Introduces Bill Supporting LGBTQI+ Youth Mental Health
Today, during Pride Month, Representative Sharice Davids reintroduced her legislation to improve mental health support for at-risk LGBTQI+ youth. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey of American teenagers found that LGBTQI+ students report significantly worse mental health than other students. Also, nearly 40 percent of gay, lesbian, and bisexual teens said they considered committing suicide in 2023. The Pride in Mental Health Act works to improve physical and mental health in at-risk youth.
"Children here in Kansas and across the country continue to struggle with mental health challenges, but we are failing many of our most vulnerable children on this issue," said Davids. "My Pride in Mental Health Act takes a comprehensive and data-driven approach to tackling the mental health crisis among LGBTQI+ youth. By increasing access to mental health support for our children and teens, we can save lives."
Specifically, the Pride in Mental Health Act:
- Increases mental health support for LGBTQI+ youth by updating care standards, developing training for caregivers, identifying school bullying prevention guidelines, and more.
- Protects at-risk youth by commissioning a report on the mental health and mental health care of LGBTQI+ youth in foster care and other federal social services programs.
- Directs the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to review and update resources listed on their website that pertain to LGBTQI+ communities.
The Pride in Mental Health Act has been endorsed by the Congressional Equality Caucus, Human Rights Campaign, GLSEN, National Education Association (NEA), Advocates for Trans Equality, PFLAG National, American Psychological Association (APA), Institute for Health Research & Policy at Whitman-Walker, interACT: Advocates for Intersex Youth, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), The Trevor Project, Seattle Indian Health Board, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“As someone who faced firsthand the challenges of growing up LGBTQI+ while struggling with their mental health, I know how isolating and overwhelming it can be,” said Representative Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “Across the country, LGBTQI+ youth face alarmingly high rates of depression, suicidal ideation, and disproportionate representation in the foster care system. For too long, we've failed to meet their needs with the compassion and support they deserve. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Pride in Mental Health Act with Rep. Sharice Davids to confront these disparities head-on and ensure every young LGBTQI+ person has access to the care and support they need to thrive.”
“Young people across the country are struggling right now with unprecedented levels of depression and mental health challenges, and it is felt most acutely among LGBTQ+ youth,” said Congressman Sorensen (IL-17). “It’s important this Pride Month that we help our vulnerable youth access the mental health care, treatment, and resources they need to live happy and healthy lives as their full selves. I’m proud to work with my fellow Equality Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps. Davids and Torres, to address this crisis head-on. With this legislation, we can improve and save lives.”
“On behalf of PFLAGers everywhere, I thank Rep. Davids for introducing this important bill providing tools and accountability to SAMHSA,” said Brian K. Bond, CEO, PFLAG National. “Across races, places, genders, and abilities, all people — including LGBTQ+ youth — deserve to thrive as their authentic selves. This bill will ensure access to and measurement of critical behavioral health services, especially for trans youth who are facing unprecedented attacks by people who are seeking to remove the most basic access to healthcare of all kinds.”
“The LGBTQ+ community faces significant barriers to accessing mental health care,” said Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). “Ensuring access to early intervention and comprehensive, evidence-based treatment are essential to helping LGBTQ+ individuals with mental health conditions to live well. The Pride in Mental Health Act helps ensure that all individuals affected by mental illness receive the care and support they need and deserve to lead healthy, fulfilling lives within a supportive and inclusive community. NAMI is grateful to Rep. Davids for introducing this legislation and proud to support this important bill."
“Passing the Pride in Mental Health Act would provide vital resources to support the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people and shine a necessary spotlight on the serious mental health crisis facing our country,” said Mark Henson, Interim Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs, The Trevor Project. “The Trevor Project’s research found that 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, yet half of those who wanted mental health care were not able to get it. It's clear that we need more resources to end suicide among this high-risk group, and this legislation creates a critical avenue for providing the resources, data, and awareness we need to help LGBTQ+ young people across the country lead the happy, healthy lives they deserve.”
“The reintroduction of the Pride in Mental Health Act is a critical step toward closing the persistent behavioral health gaps experienced by LGBTQ+ youth,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO, American Psychological Association. “Decades of psychological research show that access to affirming, evidence-based care dramatically improves outcomes for LGBTQ+ individuals. This legislation affirms a simple but powerful principle: every young person deserves the support they need to thrive — without fear, stigma, or discrimination. We commend Representative Sharice Davids for her bold leadership and steadfast commitment to the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.”
"LGBTQ+ youth are growing up in a moment of crisis — where their very existence is being debated in legislatures across the country," said David Stacy, Vice President for Government Affairs, Human Rights Campaign. "They are not just facing the everyday pressures of adolescence, but also the constant drumbeat of rejection and discrimination. Mental health support from affirming, qualified professionals isn’t just helpful — it’s lifesaving. The Pride in Mental Health Act is a crucial response to this national emergency."
Davids has focused on improving mental health care since taking office. She visited Tyler’s House KC to help launch their summer mental wellness programming, helped secure funding for mental health programs in Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, and advocated for stronger mental health supports in schools. She also helped acquire grants for local police departments to hire more behavioral health specialists to the force, including the Overland Park Police Department's new Crisis Action Team. Her legislation to renew federal mental health grant programs for health centers, schools, and law enforcement also passed the U.S. House.