James Lantz, impacted by the suicide of a close friend in the late 1970s due to lack of acceptance, is now influenced by recent tragic losses of five transgender and nonbinary youth in Pennsylvania. His life mission, intertwined with personal struggles as a closeted gay teen, emphasized the need for adult support in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. He faced legal repercussions after protesting against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Recent data shows alarming rates of suicidal thoughts among LGBTQ+ youth, particularly trans and nonbinary individuals, stressing the importance of creating accepting communities.
James Lantz, reflecting on his youth, emphasizes that LGBTQ+ youth need acceptance and support to avoid experiences like depression and suicidal thoughts, stating, "All they need is just a little bit of support. They need an adult in their life, or just an adult anywhere, to listen and say I see you, I support you, and you are loved."
In a concerning trend, a significant portion of LGBTQ+ youth have contemplated suicide, as highlighted by a survey revealing that 39 percent considered it seriously, with 46 percent of trans and nonbinary youth reporting the same. This specific demographic faces heightened risks.
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