Research supporting our mission
quantitaTIVE RESEARCH
According to a poll taken in 2024, one out of every five Gen Z people identify as LGBTQIA+. This data highlights the increasing number of LGBTQIA+ youth (Jones, 2024). A correlational study run by Raifman et al. (2020) used risk behavior surveys to study disparities in suicide attempts among adolescents based on their sexual orientations. Findings showed that over time, LGBTQIA+ youth were much more likely to report suicide attempts than heterosexual adolescents. These risks are even higher for LGBTQIA+ adolescents in rural areas, who experience even more suicide attempts, suicidal thoughts, and depression compared to their suburban and urban peers (The Trevor Project, 2021).
LGBTQIA+ youth in rural areas also report more discrimination, victimization, and hostile school environments. Research from multiple empirical studies has found that hostile school environments have negatively affected LGBTQIA+ student’s mental health and has added to their feelings of isolation (Blackburn & Thomas, 2019). These findings highlight the need for programs that support mental health for LGBTQIA+ adolescents in rural communities. Many of the studies using quantitative research methods were identified through a literature review which highlights the need for mental health support for rural LGBTQIA+ youth (Kemmerer et al., 2025).
Together we can make rainbow connections
Together we can make rainbow connections
qualitative RESEARCH
Qualitative studies show that LGBTQ+ youth desire safe spaces for their positive development of self-perception and the formation of a supportive community. LGBTQ+ youth seek events and organizations similar to what Genders and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) programs were designed to facilitate. However, many rural areas’ conservative values and policies do not allow GSAs or have disbanded them. Additionally, the accessibility of programs for rural residing LGBTQ+ rural is limited due to transportation, familial support, and/or privacy concerns. Unfortunately, studies reflect that LGBTQ+ youth in conservative and religious rural areas fear hostility if they identify publicly. The limitations facing our rural LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas today impact their mental health resulting in anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation (Calvillo et al., 2025).
Ashley Lamers LPC, MSE, owner of Hold Fast Counseling Services LLC, specializes in gender affirming care for rural residing LGBTQ+ youth. Lamers stressed the importance of privacy concerning her clients’ gender and sexual identities, citing the cultural competence and humility of counselors and other providers. Lamers warned of the deleterious effects for clients if their sexual or gender identity is disclosed due to potential hostile spaces within their communities and sometimes family environments. Ashley expressed that access to care is not only geographically inaccessible to her clients but also unavailable due to the lack of an adult supporter. Ashley strongly believes that advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas begins with the outreach and education of adult stakeholders. Ashley expressed that supporting rural residing LGBTQ+ youth is a multi-faceted approach that aims at creating safe spaces, private and accessible care, and advocacy to set up trusting adult supports throughout the community in the spaces where LGBTQ+ youth occupy (i.e. schools, clinics, businesses, homes). Supporting Lamers, a study by McCurdy & Russell (2023) found that perceived parental support is a strong indicator of future negative mental health effects.
Qualitative studies support the need for advocacy and accessible, competent, dynamic, and private support for rural living LGBTQ+ youth. This support is necessary to ensure positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth and future success within our rural communities as a whole.