LGBTQA+ Related Statistics in Southern California and Palm Desert
A Riverside County report reveals that over 4% of residents identify as LGBT, facing higher rates of depression, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders, binge drinking, smoking, and substance misuse. The Trevor Project’s 2024 survey found that 70% of queer and 72% of nonbinary individuals experienced anxiety, with many also facing substance use disorders.
Despite 84% of LGBTQA+ youth desiring mental health care, half could not access it, contributing to substance abuse. In March 2024, the Equality California Institute launched The Real Impact campaign to expand access to opioid and substance harm reduction resources. A UCLA study found that LGBTQ adults in Los Angeles County have higher rates of mental health issues and substance use disorders, worsened by unfair treatment from healthcare providers, causing many to avoid care or hide their identity.