Colorado Survey Shows Queer Youth are Struggling
Every two years, the state of Colorado administers an anonymous and voluntary survey to middle and high school students of the state. Titled the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS), the survey is meant to allow young people to self-report their health status in a number of areas including mental health, nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, substance use, and experiences of violence and racism among others. The Department of Public Health and Environment uses this survey to detect disparities among groups in the state, and also to identify protective factors that tend to lead to more ideal health outcomes.
The results of the 2021 HKCS show some concerning trends relating to the health and well-being of queer youth in the state of Colorado. The survey in 2021 included more questions and allowed more expansive responses relating to race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Fewer than half of self-identified LGBTQ participants stated that they felt like they belonged at school, and more than 25% of trans youth who were surveyed said that they had attempted suicide in the previous year. Both queer students and students of color were more likely to report hunger at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Jill Hunsaker Ryan, says in a statement, “Importantly, the survey points to the need to support and increase protective factors for youth of color and LGBTQ+ youth.”
These trends are disheartening, though not altogether unsurprising given the discriminatory actions across the country to prevent students from learning about LGBTQ identities and history. Even though those movements have not yet been as impactful in Colorado as in states like Florida, queer youth are aware of them and may feel unsure about their place.
Colorado needs to listen to the results of this survey and do more to protect queer youth and provide the support they are missing in our current system.
