People who identify as LGBTQ+ often face barriers to health care due to stigma, discrimination, and past negative experiences. As a result, they are more likely to go without health insurance or needed care—and experience worse health outcomes.
Why Pride Month Matters
Celebrated each June, Pride Month honors the lives and contributions of LGBTQ+ people. It’s also a time to recognize ongoing challenges many in the community face, including higher rates of homelessness, unemployment, poor mental health, experiences of violence, and other health disparities.
By the Numbers
A 2025 Trevor Project survey of over 16,000 LGBTQ+ young people (ages 13–24) highlights serious concerns:
Suicidal Ideation
36% seriously considered suicide in the past year
10% attempted suicide
59% experienced bullying, increasing the risk of self-harm
11%-19% more youth of color attempted suicide, most likely due to added racial or ethnic discrimination
Anxiety & Depression
62% reported recent anxiety symptoms
47% reported recent depression symptoms
78% felt unsafe due to recent policy changes
Access to Care
84% wanted mental health care
44% who wanted it did not receive the care they needed
Bullying vs. Supportive Environment
72% experienced negative treatment or name-calling
76% heard language that made them feel unsafe or unwelcome
21% were physically harmed or threatened.
Supportive environments reduced suicide risk by 1/3.
How WE Support the LGBTQ+ Community
Community First is committed to delivering inclusive, respectful care for all Members. We believe everyone has the right to receive quality health care in safe, welcoming spaces. As part of this commitment to inclusivity, we provide resources and training to our provider network on how they can create welcoming spaces and provide comprehensive, compassionate care to their patients.
We are also proud to partner with local organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ San Antonio community and their families through donations and program sponsorships. These organizations include:
Fiesta Youth
They provide safe spaces for events, training, and programming to support LGBTQ+ youth and grow together as a community. Community First is the presenting sponsor for Fiesta Youth’s signature event, Midnight in the Garden, where we sponsor $10,000 in scholarships for students’ higher education.
The Pride Center San Antonio
The Pride Center works to create a future where LGBTQ+ people and their families thrive in a community of belonging with safety and dignity. Community First works closely with the Pride Center and recently sponsored $5,000 for LGBTQ+ programming, which includes health and mental wellness exams.
San Antonio LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber gives LGBTQ+ and ally business owners, professionals, and consumers opportunities to direct economic power to businesses that support the LGBTQ+ community. At Community First, we are honored to receive the 2026 Chamber Champion of the Year award. The Chamber Champion of the Year award recognizes a partner or business that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to advancing the mission of the San Antonio LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce through leadership, partnership, advocacy, and active engagement.
Thrive Youth Center
Thrive provides resources and emergency housing for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Community First is sponsoring their Disco & Discourse Coming Out Brunch in October of this year.
How YOU Can Support the LGBTQ+ Community
Change begins with us! Small actions can make a big difference:
- Speak about LGBTQ+ people with respect and acceptance.
- Show visible support for LGBTQ+ people in your life.
- Share information about trusted, supportive resources and organizations.
- Stay informed on issues affecting the community.
- Advocate and vote for policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals.
Member Resources
Community First Members can access mental health care without a referral. To find a provider, visit our Provider Directory, call Member Services at the phone number on your Member ID card, or visit our new Mental Health page, where you can see a list of covered mental health services under your plan, rewards for taking care of your mental health, FAQs, and much more.
Other Helpful Resources
- The Trevor Project: The country’s leading organization for suicide prevention and mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth
- Pride Center San Antonio: A local organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ people locally and connecting them with the resources they need
- LGBTQ+ Health: University Health Report on health risks for LGBTQ+ people and resources for support
- LGBTQIA+ Glossary – A list of terms commonly used in the LGBTQ+ community
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Suicide and mental crisis dedicated LGBTQ+ trained crisis counselor support (call 988 and press 3 or text “PRIDE” to 988)
Sources
- Nath, R., Matthews, D.D., Hobaica, S., DeChants, J.P., Eden, T.M., Taylor, A.B., & Suffredini, K. (2026). 2025 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. West Hollywood, California: The Trevor Project. https://doi.org/10.70226/EKGT3197
- Nath, R., Matthews, D.D., Hobaica, S., Eden, T., DeChants, J.P., Clifford, A., Taylor, A.B., Suffredini, K. (2025). Project SPARK Interim Report: A Longitudinal Study of Risk and Protective Factors in LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health (2023-2025). West Hollywood, California: The Trevor Project. https://doi.org/10.70226/OSCY3344