Suicide in the LGBTQ community is rampant. And in those in the LGBTQ community with bipolar disorder, it’s even worse. Please help stem that tide.

I know many of you are straight — most of you are, in fact. But I’m not. I’m bisexual. I’m part of the LGBTQ community and I’m asking for your help to stop suicide in this community and especially in the community where an LGBTQ person also has bipolar disorder. A queer youth with bipolar disorder has the very highest risk of suicide. This double-whammy of a sexuality that many won’t accept and an illness that can take your life is something that is almost impossible to deal with.

Almost.

Bipolar in the LGBTQ Community

I want to show that it’s not impossible to deal being queer and bipolar. It’s hard and it’s black and it looks like there is no hope; but hope is there, in the crevices, in the cracks and in the small streams of daylight we can bring to their night.

Those in the LGBTQ community with bipolar disorder have a hard road. But we can make it easier. Learn how you can help LGBTQ youth with bipolar.Yes, I’m asking you to consider donating. While I know many of you don’t normally donate to causes, I’m asking you to skip two lattes and give that $10.00 to queer, mentally ill youth. I’m asking you to help me to create a safe space online to help those who feel they currently have no place to go.

Specifically, this project is being delivered by Hope Xchange, an American non-profit who works with at-risk people with bipolar disorder. They aim to provide a safe space online for queer youth with bipolar disorder and also provide support and advocacy for those individuals.

Luckily for me, my bisexuality never compounded my bipolar symptoms — but it could have. I can’t tell you the number of times that I heard that “bisexuality doesn’t exist” or “don’t date those people, they’ll just leave you for a guy/girl” or “bisexuals can’t be faithful.” People completely denigrate and sideline my sexuality — my real, born sexuality. And it can be so much worse for others. Others are bullied. Others are ostracized.

Suicide in the LGBTQ Community and Bipolar Disorder

In fact:

  • 90% of LGBT youth have reported being harassed or assaulted during the past year
  • 25% of LGBT youth reported missing school in the past 30 days due to fear
  • 33% of GLB youth reported being threatened by a weapon at school
  • 35% of GLB youth reported a suicide attempt in the last 12 months

And the numbers only get worse when you mix in a serious mental illness.

People have been made to feel like they are worth nothing because they are part of the LGBTQ community. And this, of course, just confirms what a bipolar brain would tell them, too.

But this is not true.

We are valued. We are loved. And we need a safe space where we can feel that way.

So help me and help Hope Xchange create a safe, online space for those with bipolar disorder who are also part of the LGBTQ community.

Skip two lattes. Help a teenager. It’s that simple.

Learn more about the campaign and donate here.

Source for statistics: HealthyPlace.