Mental Health Among the LGBTQ+ Community
In 2015, the United States legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states. While this was a significant and historic win, there is still work to be done. In progressive states like California, LGBTQ+ people are continuing to face discrimination within education, employment, housing, and in other areas of life. Maribel Martinez, Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs with the County of Santa Clara focuses on how LGBTQ+ youth are suffering from these discriminations, not feeling safe within “safe” environments (like school), and are often getting pushed out of the systems-- and at times, finding themselves in youth detention centers. Maribel also explains why early intervention is important, and how one, supportive adult, can save a young LGBTQ+ person’s life.
--- About the Guest ---
Maribel Martinez has spent the last 20 years working with various nonprofits in Santa Clara County addressing issues ranging from education reform, community safety measures, social services, health care outreach, to public policy.
For nine years, she served as the founding director of the Associated Students Cesar Chavez Community Action Center at San José State University creating interdisciplinary and innovative approaches to infusing social justice and service-learning in the co-curricular experiences of students. Prior to that, she worked with organizations such as People Acting in Community Together, Catholic Charities, Somos Mayfair, and the City of San José.
She holds a BA in Political Science and Sociology, a graduate degree in Applied Anthropology. She holds certificates from the McCourt School of Public Policy from Georgetown University, Stanford University’s Local Governance Summer Institute, The Panetta Institute for Public Policy, and the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program.
Mental Health Stats
Nearly one in five U.S. adults live with any mental illness (46.6 million in 2017 aged 18 or older. 18.9% of all U.S. adults.
The prevalence of any mental illness was higher among women (22.3%) than men (15.1%).
The prevalence of any mental illness was highest among adults reporting two or more races (28.6%), followed by White adults (20.4%). The prevalence of any mental illness was lowest among Asian adults (14.5%).
Young adults aged 18-25 years had the highest prevalence of AMI (25.8%) compared to adults aged 26-49 years (22.2%) and aged 50 and older (13.8%).
--- About American Wellness ---
Produced by WeXL Org, American Wellness dives headfirst into the uncomfortable conversations surrounding mental illness and why Americans feel the way they do. We examine our past, present, and future to find the solutions that could unite and heal us. Together we heal.