FROM PRIDE TO POLICY: Advancing Queer Mental Health

The Queerest Podcast

LGBTQ+ youth are facing a mental health crisis—but it’s not because of who they are. It’s because of how they are treated. A staggering 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year, and over 250 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have already been filed in 2024. In this episode, host AndraeBVR sits down with Juan Acosta, a mental health advocate, author, and activist who has been on the frontlines of this work since the age of 13.

Juan shares his journey from grassroots activism to working with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, Mental Health America, and NAMI, and how his experiences as a first-generation Mexican immigrant and LGBTQ+ advocate have shaped his mission to break down barriers in mental health care. Together, they unpack the realities of mental health struggles, the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and the life-saving power of affirming spaces.

This episode isn’t just about the challenges—it’s about the solutions. What can we do to ensure LGBTQ+ young people get the support they need? How can we all take action in our daily lives? Tune in for a powerful conversation on mental health, advocacy, and hope.

Chapters

1. Introduction to LGBTQ+ Mental Health Crisis (00:00:00)

2. Juan's Early Advocacy Journey (00:03:02)

3. Making History in Woodland, California (00:07:15)

4. Cultural Competency in Mental Healthcare (00:11:10)

5. Political Climate's Impact on Mental Health (00:15:21)

6. Schools as Battlegrounds for LGBTQ+ Youth (00:21:06)

7. Working with High-Profile Organizations (00:33:25)

8. Storytelling as a Mental Health Tool (00:42:52)

9. Navigating Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation and Policy (00:48:18)

10. Closing Thoughts and Compulsory Questions (00:50:37)