Research has indicated that, relative to heterosexual and gender-conforming peers, teens who identify as a gender and/or sexual minorities (GSM) experience greater psychological distress and higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.  One reason for this is the stigma and microaggressions that members of these communities often face, even in healthcare settings. 

When we need teens to tell us what is bothering them, we need to make sure they have the vocabulary to do it. Feeling words never make it onto an ELA vocabulary quiz yet, somehow, we expect teens to tell us what’s bothering them when something is bothering them. And we want details!