This month and beyond...
We are committed to eliminating disparities in behavioral healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community. The following resources were assembled through efforts of the Placer County Systems of Care in collaboration with the Placer Campaign for Community Wellness (CCW), Placer READI, and local LGBTQ+ community advocates.
Mental health and substance use disorders are not intrinsic to LGBTQ+ individuals. Disparities reflecting increased risk result from greater exposure to stressors, including bullying, homo/trans phobia, familial and peer rejection, etc. Cultural, societal, and individual homophobic and transphobic experiences have clear impacts on LGBTQ individuals’ mental health.
Education and representation play a key role in reducing disparities, and solutions cannot be universalized. Intersections of identity have significant influence on life experiences. In October 2021, a panel of local experts conducted a SOGIE 101 Training in Placer County to educate providers on the differences between Sex assigned at birth, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sexual/Romantic Orientation, develop a better understanding of the LGBTQ+ community and identify some negative myths, stereotypes and their harmful impact.
The Systems of Care recently launched an Equity Walk Lobby Assessment to encourage consumer input and help ensure our lobbies and public areas feel like safe, welcoming spaces and represent the diverse needs of our community.
We continue to update our LGBTQ+ Provider Resources packet for distribution for the System of Care and community partners.
After receiving staff feedback on areas for continued growth, we are sharing short educational training videos to aid client interaction for admin and clinical staff, informational brochures about SOGI data collection practices for lobbies and client spaces, and brochures for LGBTQ Youth.
Local Resources:
Thank you to the Board members of both PFLAG Greater Placer County and Placer LGBTQ+ Center/Placer Pride for sharing the 2022 Placer County LGBTQ resource rack cards for wide distribution in our community!
MORE RESOURCES!
Brochures & Educational Packets:
FACTS
- It is estimated that LGBTQ+ youth and young adults have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness — often the result of family rejection or discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. This risk is especially high among Black and Native American/Alaska Native LGBTQ+ youth.
- Many members of the LGBTQ+ community face the added challenge of finding homeless shelters that will accept them, and experience elevated rates of harassment and abuse in these spaces.
Listen & Learn:
Music Playlist:
- Upbeat Tunes to celebrate PRIDE
- Explore more beats of your own style, search 'pride playlists' into your preferred search engine.
CalMHSA - Take Action for Mental Health
Statewide Resources:
Educational Resources:
- National SOGIE Center
- Center of Excellence LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity
- Human Rights Campaign
- National LGBTQ+ Health Education Center- Toolkit
- Best Practice for Suicide Prevention
- Staff Education Training Videos - SOGI Data Collection
- Trevor Project Resources for LGBTQ+
- Presentation for Collecting SOGI Data
- Guide to Helping Families Support their LGBT Children
- Family Acceptance Project
- It Gets Better Project #ITGETSBETTER
- SafeSpace - Ally Kits
