The Role of Allyship in LGBTQ+ Mental Health: How Allies Can Make a Difference

The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ+ youth mental health found that 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, with the numbers being even higher among transgender and non-binary individuals.

While systemic changes are essential, individual allyship plays a powerful role in fostering an environment that promotes mental well-being. Research suggests that having just one affirming adult in an LGBTQ+ person’s life can reduce the risk of suicide by 40%. Being an ally isn’t just about passive support; it requires active engagement, advocacy, and an ongoing commitment to learning.

Let’s explore the role of allyship in LGBTQ+ mental health and how allies can make a tangible difference.

Understanding the Mental Health Challenges Faced by LGBTQ+ Individuals

Before allies can offer meaningful support, they must understand the unique mental health challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face. The minority stress theory (Meyer, 2003) explains that queer and trans individuals experience chronic stress due to societal stigma, discrimination, and internalized oppression. This stress manifests in multiple ways. Sociologist Erving Goffman (1963) introduced the concept of stigma in his work Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity, where he discussed how marginalized individuals navigate societal expectations and the psychological burden of being perceived as “deviant.” LGBTQ+ individuals often experience “felt stigma”—a persistent internalized fear of rejection that impacts self-worth and mental health.

This stigma manifests through:

• Heteronormativity and Cisnormativity: Queer and trans identities are often treated as deviations rather than natural variations of human experience. This leads to internalized oppression, where LGBTQ+ individuals absorb negative societal messages about their identity.
• Symbolic Violence (Bourdieu, 1991): LGBTQ+ individuals often encounter subtle forms of social exclusion that reinforce their marginalization—whether through microaggressions, erasure in media, or exclusionary language.

Many LGBTQ+ people, particularly youth, face rejection from their families, leading to isolation and homelessness. Hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and healthcare disparities create additional psychological burdens. The American Psychological Association (APA) highlights that LGBTQ+ individuals who experience discrimination are at twice the risk of developing PTSD compared to those who do not. Societal attitudes often lead LGBTQ+ individuals to internalize shame and self-doubt, which negatively impact self-esteem and contribute to depression and anxiety.

Understanding these challenges is the first step in effective allyship. Understanding that these struggles are socially constructed, rather than intrinsic to LGBTQ+ identity, shifts the focus from “fixing” individuals to changing social conditions—a crucial mindset for allies.

How Allies Can Support LGBTQ+ Mental Health

1. Providing Affirmation and Emotional Support

The simple act of affirming someone’s identity can be life-changing. Research from the Family Acceptance Project (Ryan et al., 2010) shows that LGBTQ+ individuals who experience acceptance from family and friends have higher self-esteem and lower rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

• Use correct names and pronouns: This is one of the most fundamental ways to affirm someone’s identity. Misgendering can cause psychological distress, while using the correct name and pronouns has been linked to 71% lower depression symptoms in transgender youth (Russell et al., 2018).
• Validate lived experiences: Avoid dismissing concerns with phrases like “It’s not a big deal” or “You’re overreacting.” Instead, use supportive language such as “I hear you” and “Your feelings are valid.”

1. Advocating for LGBTQ+ Rights and Inclusion

Allyship extends beyond personal support—it involves advocating for systemic changes that improve LGBTQ+ mental health.

• Speak up against discrimination: Silence enables harm. Whether in workplaces, schools, or social settings, allies must challenge homophobic and transphobic remarks, policies, and practices.
• Support LGBTQ+ organizations: Groups like The Trevor Project, GLSEN, and local LGBTQ+ community centers provide essential resources. Donating time, funds, or spreading awareness helps sustain these initiatives.

1. Educating Yourself and Others

It’s not the responsibility of LGBTQ+ individuals to educate allies; it’s up to allies to seek out knowledge.

• Stay informed: Read books, listen to LGBTQ+ voices, and follow queer activists on social media.
• Encourage inclusive conversations: Whether at work, school, or social circles, normalize discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and mental health.

1. Creating Safe Spaces

Safe spaces—where LGBTQ+ individuals can express themselves without fear—are essential for mental well-being.

• At home: Ensure that LGBTQ+ family members feel safe, respected, and included in conversations and decisions.
• In workplaces and schools: Support policies that promote inclusion, such as gender-neutral restrooms and non-discrimination protections.

A 2021 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that LGBTQ+ youth who had access to safe spaces were significantly less likely to experience depressive symptoms.

Allyship is powerful because it creates a ripple effect—supporting one LGBTQ+ individual can inspire broader acceptance within families, schools, workplaces, and society at large. Research suggests that when allies actively advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, it not only benefits queer individuals but also improves social cohesion and reduces overall mental health stigma (Herek, 2016).

Moreover, allyship helps dismantle heteronormativity and cisnormativity, fostering a culture where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated. This shift benefits everyone, as it encourages authenticity, emotional well-being, and psychological safety for all. If you’re wondering where to start, begin by listening to LGBTQ+ voices, educating yourself, and actively supporting inclusive spaces. Your role as an ally has the potential to change—and even save—lives.

At the end of the day, mental health flourishes in a world where everyone is seen, valued, and loved for exactly who they are.

Author: Manasi (Counselling Psychologist)

References

1. Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma: Notes on the Management of Spoiled Identity. Prentice Hall.
2. Meyer, I. H. (2003). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5), 674–697.
3. Ryan, C., Russell, S. T., Huebner, D., Diaz, R., & Sanchez, J. (2010). Family acceptance in adolescence and the health of LGBTQ young adults. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 23(4), 205–213.
4. Russell, S. T., Pollitt, A. M., Li, G., & Grossman, A. H. (2018). Chosen name use is linked to reduced depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior among transgender youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 63(4), 503–505.
5. The Trevor Project (2022). National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. Retrieved from www.thetrevorproject.org.