Supportive resources for LGBTQ+ people struggling with mental health are vital. In comparison to the general population, the LGBTQ+ community is consistently at higher risk of battling mental health challenges.
Deeply rooted stigma and discrimination can take a toll on an individual’s mental state. Everyone has a right to have access to comfortable, accessible spaces where openness about personal, mental health challenges is welcomed and appreciated.
A new community initiative in Greater Cincinnati is striving to provide just that, specifically to young LGBTQ+ locals.
The NAMI LGBTQIA+ Connection Recovery Support Group provides a communal space for young adults to share their mental health challenges, while developing meaningful connections with peers that have experienced similar feelings and emotions.
The support group encourages the development of better coping mechanisms, while also aiming to heighten participants’ senses of empowerment, confidence and strength.
A joint effort between NAMI Southwest Ohio and Transform Cincy, an organization that provides free, affirming wardrobes for transgender and gender-non-conforming youth, the support group has seen consistent attendance since its first meeting in April. NAMI Southwest Ohio is a branch of the National Alliance on Mental Health, an education, support and advocacy organization providing resources to individuals living with mental health conditions.
Hayes Hiltenbeitel, who holds staff positions at both NAMI Southwest Ohio and Transform Cincy, facilitates the support group. Consistent participants tend to range from age 21 to 29, and the vast majority identify as transgender in some way.
“The goal of the group is to make sure that people within the community have a safe space to be seen and supported, and to find community” they said.
Group participants may be experiencing difficult situations with family, within their workplaces, or within their broader, local communities. Though conversation can be challenging and emotions can run high within this group, the tone of the conversation stays supportive and motivational.
As a nonbinary individual, Hiltenbeitel holds this group very closely to their heart.
“There have been significant targeted attacks toward the transgender community in all aspects of life – jobs, housing…so this group is deeply meaningful for me.”
Hiltenbeitel stated that statistically, more than 1 in 3 young adult LGBTQ+ individals seriously consider attempting suicide at one point in their lives. Similarly, nearly 1 in 2 transgender and non-binary individuals seriously consider taking their own lives.
“Groups like this one are so important – so that people know they are not alone, there are people out there that care about them, and their lives can be so much more than one of these statistics,” says Hiltenbeitel. “In fact, they can live beautiful, full lives.”
The group is always welcoming new members, and maintains a low barrier of entry. Drawing participants from all over Greater Cincinnati, meetings take place the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Transform House in the suburb of Silverton.
“You can show up as you are, and we make sure that you have a space.” 🔥
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- For more information about NAMI LGBTQIA+ Connection in partnership with Transform, click here.
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