Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Supporting Military-Connected LGBTQ+
Youth: Tips for Helping Professionals
Although military-connectedassociated with an increased risk
youth typically possess uniquefor depression, anxiety, and suicide.
Given the intersection of these risk factors,strengths, they also face stressors,
Given the intersection of these risk
military youth who identify as LGBTQ+ may
such as frequent relocations,factors, military youth who identify
be at especially heightened risk of negative
parental deployments, and family
as LGBTQ+ may be at especiallyseparations, which have been shownheightened risk of negative mental
mental health outcomes.
to contribute to their emotional
health outcomes. This fact sheet
distress. Youth who identify as
raises awareness among helping
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or who areprofessionals (e.g., educators, health care providers,questioning their sexual or gender identity (LGBTQ+)
community support personnel) who work with military
may face harassment and discrimination, which areyouth.
Addressing Potential Questions from MilitaryConnected LGBTQ+ Youth■ Military-connected LGBTQ+ youth whose families are
relocating to a new geographic area may ask:x “Will the new community be accepting andsupportive?”x “Will there be a healthcare provider who willcontinue to provide gender affirming care?”■ Military-connected LGBTQ+ youth whose supportiveparents are deployed may wonder:x “Will I be able to cope when my supportive mom/dad is away?”x “Will my school still be helpful if my supportiveparent isn’t here?”

Recommendations for Helping Professionals
Helping military-connected LGBTQ+ youth involves
being present in their lives in an understanding andsupportive manner. Educators, health care providers, andcommunity support personnel can start by accepting andacknowledging what these youth say about their livedexperiences. For example, if a young person discloses thatthey are LGBTQ+, professionals can be helpful by:■ Letting them know you are there to listen■ Offering support without assuming they need help
dealing with their identity■ Asking questions that demonstrate understanding,

acceptance, and compassion, such as whether they havebeen able to tell anyone else, or if they feel supported byadults in their life
■ Avoiding dismissive language, such as “you’re justconfused” or “it’s just a phase”
Helping professionals should also consider any biases
or preconceptions they may hold toward LGBTQ+ persons
so that they can deliver appropriate and compassionate
care and reduce the risk of harming military-connected
LGBTQ+ youth. Risk of suicide and other negative healthoutcomes in LGBTQ+ youth can be reduced by providing
easy access to culturally-responsive care and connectedness
to safe schools. The support from healthcare professionals
and educators can be of considerable help.
The following resources are available to assist
professionals providing support to military-connected
LGBTQ+ youth.
Resources
LGBTQ+ Military-Specific Resources:■ LGBTQ | Military Kids Connect■ Modern Military Association of America
LGBTQ+ Youth Resources:■ LGBTQ Youth Resources | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, andTransgender Health | CDC■ American Academy of Pediatrics — LGBTQ+ Healthand Wellness