According to a research brief published by the Trevor Project, Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. are reporting high rates of anxiety and depression, self-harm, suicide consideration, and suicide attempts. The rates are higher than non-MENA youth. In fact, 21% of MENA LGBTQ+ young people had reported a suicide attempt within the last year, with almost half seriously considering suicide. Furthermore, around 64% of MENA youth reported self-harming in the last year.
The Trevor Project notes that the mental health issues among MENA LGBTQ+ people are often connected to specific societal and cultural stressors that are unique to MENA people. This includes anti-LGBTQ+ stigma and persecution. The report highlights that these findings underscore the importance of approaching data collection and analysis through an intersectional lens, especially when working with MENA LGBTQ+ young people, a historically under-researched community.
The report also notes that one in three MENA young people said their therapist did not understand their ethnic background, with only 18% of MENA youth saying therapy was helpful in that case. MENA LGBTQ+ young people who felt that their therapist understood their racial/ethnic background had more than five times greater odds of finding therapy helpful. Therefore, the Trevor Project urges more MENA representation in the mental health care field and culturally-informed training that addresses the specific needs of youth that are MENA and LGBTQ+ and the intersections between those identities.
Creating MENA-inclusive spaces such as a MENA club at schools is one way to create resources for these young people. Mental health care providers, educators, and other youth-serving adults also have a responsibility to engage in culturally-informed practices and create safe spaces that affirm the intersecting identities of MENA LGBTQ+ young people.
The report calls for more research to understand the health outcomes of MENA queer youth from specific areas in the region. The Trevor Project lists resources available to help those having thoughts of suicide or are concerned that someone they know may be. These resources include the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Trans Lifeline, and The Trevor Project Lifeline.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of the current cultural climate, it is essential to recognize the unique struggles of marginalized groups and work towards creating more inclusive and supportive environments.