In recent years, there have been legislative attempts in New Hampshire to limit the rights of LGBTQ+ youth and how we talk about gender identity in schools. LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk of mental health concerns because of feelings of rejection in their families and communities. For the health of LGBTQ+ youth in New Hampshire, it’s crucial that we take a stance on policies impacting their well-being.
Why It Matters
Sexual and gender minorities experience significant mental and behavioral health disparities when compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Sexual minorities report significantly higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicide, and substance abuse, among other harmful behaviors. Notably, these disparities are due to feelings of rejection at the family, community, and societal levels. The advancement of LGBTQ+ health equity is critical to ensure all Granite Staters can reach their full health potential.
By the Numbers
41%
of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.
56%
of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.
60%
of LGBTQ+ young people have experienced discrimination in the past year based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
86%
of transgender and nonbinary youth say recent debates around anti-trans bills have negatively impacted their mental health.
Our Impact
In 2023, New Futures supported partner organizations in defeating multiple dangerous pieces of legislation targeting LGBTQ+ youth. Most notably, New Futures participated in the coalition of organizations that successfully defeated bills that aim to create a “Parental Bill of Rights,” which require the forced outing of LGBTQ+ students to their parents.
In 2024, a series of bills once again targeted LGBTQ+ youth and families in New Hampshire. New Futures worked with coalition partners to defeat 27 of the 30+ bills
introduced, which included successfully defending anti-discrimination protections for transgender people and protecting LGBTQ+ students from mandatory outing in schools.
Unfortunately, three bills passed the House and Senate and were signed into law by Governor Sununu, marking the first time in 40 years that New Hampshire has enacted new laws restricting
the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Once implemented, these laws will ban transgender girls from playing sports, prohibit doctors from providing referrals for gender-affirming surgery, and
stifle important classroom discussion by requiring teachers to provide two-week notice to parents on materials and coursework containing references to sexual orientation, gender, gender
identity, and gender expression.
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