Discrimination has a direct negative impact on mental health, particularly youth mental health.
A 2024 study showed that 68% of transgender and nonbinary young people in New Hampshire reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety, 44% experienced depression, and 40% seriously considered attempting suicide. These outcomes result in large part from experiences with discrimination and being unable to receive necessary care and support. 89% of LGBTQ+ young people in NH reported that politics negatively impacted their well-being, and 31% reported that they or their family have considered leaving New Hampshire because of LGBTQ+-related politics
This session, NH legislators have introduced several pieces of legislation that would expose transgender and nonbinary Granite Staters to discrimination in their community and eliminate affirming environments throughout the state. These bills harm transgender and nonbinary young people not just through their policies, but through the message they send.
We believe that all Granite Staters deserve to live full, healthy, safe lives within their community, with access to accepting environments that support their mental health. No one should be exposed to harmful stigma and discrimination.
We need you to speak out and support the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth in New Hampshire. Contact Governor Ayotte and urge her to veto all discriminatory legislation targeting LGBTQ+ Granite Staters!
Click here to contact the office of Governor Kelly Ayotte.
Read more: Anti-trans legislation deepens the youth mental health crisis (Union Leader)
Questions? Reach out to advocacy@naminh.org
