Groups support health needs of LGBT youths
Eight percent of Arizona’s children identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, according to advocates.
But nearly half of the youth struggling with homelessness in Arizona are LGBT. And LGBT adolescents are more likely to battle depression, deal with bullying or seriously consider suicide.
There are few resources available to LGBT youth in Arizona’s schools. State law makes it illegal for public district or charter schools to provide any information that “promotes a homosexual lifestyle,” “portrays homosexuality as a positive alternative life-style” or “suggests that some methods of sex are safe methods of homosexual sex.”
LGBT-rights advocates say this law prevents youth from understanding the health concerns affecting them.
“A lot of students feel shame,” said Tayler Tucker, media relations specialist for Planned Parenthood of Arizona.
To combat that, a variety of organizations are stepping in to help LGBT youth, particularly those who lack health insurance or support from their parents.
Here’s a list of resources available to LGBT youth in the Phoenix area:
Gender identity
Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s adolescent medicine department provides many services to LGBT youth.
The department’s gender management program provides outpatient services to help individuals and their families with gender identity development. The program serves gender non-conforming youth, gender questioning youth and transgender youth.
Families can find services for consultation about medication, hormonal therapy, support groups, referrals, training and education. Information on the program can be found by calling 602-933-0659.
Health services
The hospital’s Health Project, also known as the Crews’n Healthmobile, provides services to homeless, runaway and at-risk youth age 24 and younger. Many youth that use the project’s services lack health insurance.
“We have medical services that are accessible to the LGBT population across economical backgrounds,” said Dr. Vinny Chulani, who leads Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s adolescent medicine program.
The mobile works with one.n.ten to provide exams, immunizations, referrals and more. Staff educate youth on issues concerning sexually-transmitted diseases, HIV, depression, mood disorders, suicide risk, pregnancy, nutrition and other health issues.
The Crew’n Healthmobile is parked at Phoenix’s Parsons Center, 1101 N. Central Ave., every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. Information on services can be found by contacting 602-933-9339.
“Youth, but especially minority or disenfranchised youth, feel more comfortable accessing services where they will be treated fairly,” said Gina Read, program coordinator for one.n.ten.
The group also provides social and service programs for the LBGT community. Information on the organization can be found at its website, onenten.org or by calling 602-4002601, ext. 1.
Planned Parenthood provides PEP and PrEP services, which can help lower the risk of contracting HIV. Someone can take PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) pills if they were exposed to HIV in order to lower the risk of getting the illness. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill that can help prevent HIV.
Mental health services
Arizona Trans Youth and Parent Organization offers monthly family support. Parents, guardians and other family members can discuss issues, ask questions and find resources. Information can be found by emailing contact@aztypo.org.
Housing assistance
One.n.ten is able to help youth with the transition through the Promise of a New Day program.
Youth are provided with mentoring, job training, life skills training, mental health counseling, career and educational development.
Information on the Promise of a New Day program can be found by calling 602-561-4513.