LGBTQ+ Youth Program helps teens improve mental health, affirming their identity.

Saint Anthony – Fiesta Youth is giving LGBTQ+ youth a safe space in San Antonio to be their true, authentic selves.

Queer and trans youth experience higher rates of suicidal ideation, depression, and substance abuse. Trevor ProjectNational Health Survey for LBGTQ+ Youth. However, several studies have shown that LBGTQ children experience less suicidal ideation when they are exposed to a place that affirms their identity, pronouns, and clothing choices. That’s the place in San Antonio. Fiesta Youth.

Teenagers are at a low level in mental health

Sergio Gonzalez, 17, is bisexual. He said that he once had online friends.

“Life wasn’t perfect,” Gonzalez said.

13-year-old Matthew Crowe is bisexual. He said he was bullied at school because of who he was.

“Like dragging without rest. It definitely hurts you at a higher level,” Crowe said.

Both teenagers said they struggled to find supportive friends and their mental health was at a low ebb.

After Governor Greg Abbott ordered state officials to investigate the parents, their feelings worsened Transgender children for child abuse.

“I feel like I have a target on my back, like anyone in a position of power is just watching my every move,” Crowe said. “It’s stressful. They want to be themselves, especially when it comes to children. People in power don’t let the kids be kids.

Breaking down the statistics

LBGTQ+ youth experience higher rates of suicide than others their age, according to national and local data.

Nationally, 1 in 5 transgender and non-binary youth have attempted suicide, and LGBTQ+ youth of color are at higher rates than their white peers, according to the Trevor Project.

San Antonio is seeing similar trends. based on Survey results, LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse populations report higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts to harm themselves. 28% of the general population reported suicidal ideation. 55% of LGBTQ+ youth reported, and 58% of gender diverse groups reported, suicidal thoughts.

LGBTQ+ youth who felt high social support from their family were half as likely to attempt suicide than those who felt low or moderate social support, according to the Trevor Project.

Fiesta help young children grow up

At Fiesta Youth, children can express themselves fully and authentically.

“No matter what, ‘Oh, people really care about me. If I wasn’t here, people would notice,'” Crowe said.

Youth can enjoy crafts and open mic nights, get wellness screenings and tour the community with LGBTQ+ guest speakers.

“They know they can have the courage to experiment with who they are in life,” said Gideon Del Rio, the youth coordinator of Festa.

Gonzalez says weekly meetings at Fiesta Youth have improved his mental health.

“Overall, I feel great because I don’t feel as boxed in as I used to,” Gonzalez said.

Parents and caregivers are invited to meetings to get to know each other. It allows them to share their experiences, meet facilitators and understand what their children are learning.

Find out more about the Fiesta Youth program over here.