According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, some risk factors for mental health with the LGBTQ+ community include coming out, homelessness, and suicide. The Alliance also says youth and young people are at 120% higher risk for being homeless. This could be the result of rejection after coming out.

The Cortland LGBTQ Center is one local resource for the LGBTQ+ community. The first Cortland Community Pride Festival is coming up next month, July 15, taking place in Courthouse Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

What You Need To Know

  • Cortland is holding its first Community Pride Festival this summer

  • The festival is July 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Courthouse Park

  • There will also be workshops at the Cortland Free Library during the festival

There are other resources available for those in need. By dialing 988, you can receive LGBTQ+ affirming counseling. You can press 3 if you're calling or text Q if you’re texting.

A 2022 survey in Cortland showed more than half of LGBTQ+ people and more than 66% of transgender people have thought about suicide in their life. SPEAK UP Cortland says LGBTQ people are at higher risk because of how they are treated in society.