Texas’ homeless youth population is disproportionately composed of LGBTQ and individuals of color. Respondents to our IMPACT! Texas study noted a desperate need for more LGBTQ youth outreach, along with LGBTQ protections in schools. Overt levels of institutional discrimination seem to be more frequently directed toward the young, rather than toward adults, who have the means, knowledge, and capacity to fight these techniques. Depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation were reported by respondents who felt they were alone or were bullied for being LGBTQ in school. We believe that LGBTQ youth homelessness is a community issue and our grantmaking priorities include safe spaces and stable housing programs.

Texas’ rural LGBTQ population often feel isolated and alone in a cultural environment that values religion and machismo over understanding and acceptance. Geographic isolation, cultural and faith-based stigma combined with limited transportation options makes connecting with other LGBTQ individuals and LGBTQ sensitive service providers difficult. Rural LGBTQ people, particularly those who are isolated from supportive social networks, have few LGBTQ-specific resources to draw from when in need of assistance for routine health care as well as specific mental health and/or substance use problems. When asked, our rural LGBTQ population in Texas express a strong desire for training and awareness initiatives. Innovative programs that combat isolation or increase social support are a top priority for us.

Well-being and access to opportunity are fundamental tenants of American life. Transgender individuals face widespread discrimination and mistreatment in both the workplace and the healthcare system. In our study the lack of competent healthcare/behavioral care was repeatedly declared the greatest issue by members of the transgender community. Complicating matters, transgender men and women experience significantly higher rates of workplace discrimination – a rate of over 20 percentage points— than their gay and lesbian peers. 39% of transgender women and 19% of transgender men are out of work and seeking employment. We are committed to improving the lives of transgender people in Texas through numerous areas of funding including improving employability of transgender persons and initiatives to increase the quality of transgender healthcare.

It comes as no surprise that results of our IMPACT! Texas study identified concern about healthcare, universally ranking routine healthcare as the number one priority need. Further, there are great mental health disparities within the LGBTQ community, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide than straight individuals. There’s a difference between culturally competent and friendly care: some doctors are simply kind and non-discriminatory, whereas others have the knowledge, training, and expertise to treat medical issues specific to the transgender and greater LGBT communities. In short, LGBT people are more likely to need healthcare and are less likely to get the care they need. Like other marginalized populations, LGBT people face significant health disparities and we are committed to funding programs designed to increase access/reduce barriers to routine healthcare and improving cultural competency of providers.