Providing Mental Health First Aid to LGBTQ+ Communities

Reducing stigma and creating a person-first approach are central tenets of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Abiding by them will help guide honest, non-stigmatizing conversations with members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex (LGBTQ+) or sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)[1] communities in the United States.

Each individual is unique, and it is important to tailor your support to that person’s needs without making assumptions about their identities or communities. This blog post includes recommendations, guidelines and facts that can inform your conversations as you provide or teach Mental Health First Aid.