The first half of 2020 has been a wild emotional ride. Starting with the COVID-19 global pandemic causing most of California to shelter in place; Mass country-wide Black Lives Matter protests against police brutality and racism; and the cancellation of LGBTQIA+ Pride events across the country. We are halfway through the year and it is already proving to be a challenging time for youth, especially Black youth and LGBTQIA+ youth.
We want to remind you that the California Youth Crisis Line is here when you need to talk. Our staff of trained volunteer counselors are available via calling or texting 800-843-5200, or via chat at www.calyouth.org/chat. We also want to share a few mental health resources for black youth, LGBTQIA+ youth, and youth at the intersections of both.
This resource is a 26-page tool kit containing information about how stress and trauma affect the body and mind. This kit also contains self-care strategies for dealing with the effects of racism.
This is a nonprofit collective made up of advocates, artists, therapists, religious leaders, activists, and others who are “committed to the emotional/mental health and healing of black communities.” BEAM’s website includes trainings and events, resources that promote wellness, information on how to find a culturally competent therapist, and more.
A website focusing on and promoting black mental health. They publish a magazine, newsletter, and podcast.
A website “by and for people of color” they offer readings and resources related to self-care.
Therapy for Black Girls provides mental health and well-being resources for black women and girls. It includes a directory of culturally competent mental health professionals, a podcast, and a membership-based support community.
Connects members of the Black LGBTQIA+ community with information and resources to empower their fight for equity and access.
This organization connects the community of Black trans women and non-binary femmes in the arts to build power.
A free all-in-one destination where you can find stats about mental health in the Black community, advice on how to cope after incidents of police brutality, breathing techniques, open forum discussions, and tips about addressing mental health with your family and more.
Run by two black women whoa re therapists, this website offers a directory of culturally competent therapists, a podcast about mental health, and additional resources.
Virtual PRIDE events:
Brooklyn-based festival of drag and queer performance, is organizing a global virtual festival in aid of several Black Lives Matter groups on June 27 through June 28.
A 3-day virtual event, led by drag performers Peppermint, Bob the Drag Queen, and Marti Gould Cummings, raising funds for Black, queer organizations and LGBTQ+ performers. This event will also feature diverse voices to discuss ways to dismantle racism and white supremacy and demand an end to police brutality. June 19-21
An event that continues the tradition of the first Pride Rally that occurred one month after the Stonewall Riots where the community gathered for a demonstration in Washington Square Park. This year’s call for the community to rally together to take a stand against police brutality and discrimination. Register for the event, here. This event will take place on Friday, June 26, from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. ET on Facebook and Youtube.
We’re here for you when you need us. Call, text, or chat with us anytime at 800-843-5200 and www.calyouth.org/chat