Community Based Approach to Reducing Suicide and Mental Health Disparities for Gender Diverse Individuals: Improving Access and Community Support for Transgender Communities

Grantee: Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center
Timeframe: July 2025 – June 2026 | Amount: $200,000

This project aims to reduce health disparities among transgender and gender diverse individuals by addressing gender dysphoria, limited access to affirming healthcare, and acute mental health challenges.

These communities face systemic barriers including stigma, discrimination, and a lack of culturally competent providers. As a result, they experience disproportionately high rates of depression, suicidal ideation, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections—especially among Black, Latinx, undocumented, unhoused, and transgender women of color. Despite Washington’s reputation for LGBTQ+ inclusivity, transgender individuals continue to report mistreatment in healthcare settings, which leads many to avoid care and experience worse health outcomes. This initiative expands access to gender affirming care and addresses the social and economic drivers of poor health, with a focus on underserved communities in South King County.

The Center will expand its mental health team to provide free crisis response and ongoing care, with the goal of reducing suicide risk and addressing mental health disparities. Funding will support the hiring of a Health Navigator, Mental Health Program Coordinator, Mental Health Intern, and a licensed Mental Health Supervisor. Priority populations include Black and Latinx transgender and nonbinary individuals seeking prevention services, gender affirming care, healthcare navigation, and mental health support through Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center and partner locations throughout King County. Services will be offered both in person and via telehealth.

Providers will offer scheduled individual therapy sessions as well as on-demand support for transgender adults and youth in crisis. These services have been specifically requested by participants receiving hormone therapy at the in-house pharmacy, individuals accessing HIV and STI prevention services, and members of the Youth Advisory Council.

Additionally, the mental health team will facilitate support groups for transgender youth and LGBTQ+ participants of all ages. These groups aim to build social connection and resilience in response to increasing hostility toward LGBTQ+ rights across the country.

To further reduce barriers to care, the Health Navigator will use a community advocacy model to support individuals with intersecting marginalized identities. Services will include one-on-one support, warm referrals to partner organizations, and expert guidance on gender affirming care, insurance navigation, legal name and gender marker changes, and PrEP and HIV services. This work builds on the Center’s experience in HIV and STI testing, care linkage, and healthcare navigation in under-resourced communities.

ABOUT OUR GRANTEE

Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center

“Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center is the definitive hub for LGBTQ individuals seeking affirming and responsive resources, wellness, and community. Seattle’s LGBTQ+ Center cultivates access and connections to promote self-determination, liberation and joy in our communities.”