America, the supposed home of the brave and free. A place where you can freely express who you are and who you want to be. In America, Americans pride themselves on having a free and inclusive country. On the surface, it seems everyone is accepted and loved in this surreal, free place. However, many communities are excluded, forgotten, or persecuted despite these American boastings. One of the many communities commonly excluded in America, and the world, is the LGBTQIA+ community. A community hosting people of many different labels. Most of these people do not fit into the mold of ‘the norm’ and because of that, they often are excluded. Either because they are not like everyone else, people don’t understand them, or because of bad stereotypes and rumors. People seem to think they are weird or different, but really they are just normal humans who wish to be included for who they are. They simply love who they love and identify with who and what they feel like. 

So, because members of the LBGTQIA+ community are so excluded, this can lead to problems for members of this community. Families don’t accept them, they feel odd and out of place in certain settings and situations, or they are persecuted. This can lead to mental health issues or even in some situations, suicide. The rate of suicide in queer teens and adolescents is much higher than in straight teens. According to “The Trevor Project”, queer teens are four times more likely to commit suicide than other kids their age. Their [The Trevor Project] recent survey found that 45% of LGBTQIA+ youth considered suicide within the last year. More than half of Transgender and Non-Binary youth as well. “According to The Trevor Project’s analysis of CDC data, almost half (48%) of bi young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, and 27% attempted suicide. Among gay or lesbian youth, 37% seriously considered suicide and 19% attempted. And among straight youth, 14% seriously considered suicide and 6% attempted suicide.” States “The Trevor Project”. This is because of the increased risk of mental illness and discrimination in modern society, and the lack of help for these adolescents. When this community’s, or any community’s suicide rate is abnormally higher than others, this needs to be addressed. Another reason people should put more effort into solving this problem and not just turn a blind eye, is that addressing this can lead to a happier,more inclusive society. This is better for everyone in society. It gives a more positive experience for the people in the society, not just members of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

So how can we help? How can you help? Some of the bigger things you can do is donate to organizations and volunteer at events. Show up at pride parades, parties and support the community. One of the smaller things you can do is just spread the word. Talk to people, and educate them. Do your best to bust stereotypes and rumors. This will spread to more and more people and make America and the world a more educated place. Therefore possibly making it more inclusive. People fear what they don’t know. You can also be inclusive to people at school, work, or in a standard setting. Ask their pronouns, and make it known you’re an ally. This will not go unnoticed by members of the community. This will make it easier for them to know that there are people who love and accept them. You never know if it could make their day. 

This community needs support, along with many others, so please, do your part to understand and help this community of wonderful people.