#Out4MentalHealth is a statewide project that advances mental health equity, provides resources to build capacity in local LGBTQ+ communities, and represents a coalition voice at state-level policy discussions.
Advocacy Toolkit
We are committed to providing tools and resources to build capacity in LGBTQ communities across California. This Advocacy Toolkit is intended to provide information, knowledge, and resources to engage in systems change and policy advocacy.
#Out4MentalHealth Task Forces support local community members and organizations with engaging in LGBTQ Mental Health Advocacy at the county, state, and federal level. Each Task Force is led by local community members and organizations and open to everyone interested in advocating for LGBTQ Mental Health Equity.
In December 2022, #Out4MentalHealth launched a video series “#Out4MentalHealth Advocacy Stories” where fellow Task Force leaders share the successes and barriers present in their communities when trying to access affirming mental healthcare services. Watch the videos here.
You can request #Out4MentalHealth fact sheets to hand out at events or keep in your lobby or waiting room. To request project materials, please email info@californialgbtqhealth.org. You can also preview or download all of our fact sheets using the links below.
You can use the Score Card template below to assess your own County’s LGBTQ+ Policies. If you would like to collaborate on creating a formal Score Card for your county, please contact us at O4MH@californialgbtqhealth.org.
The Network provides technical assistance to state and local systems and public agencies to ensure that they have the knowledge, resources, and supports needed to support LGBTQ+ consumers and communities. The types of technical assistance we can provide include:
How to collect data for sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI)
Sharing community defined best practices
Connecting county behavioral health department staff with local LGBTQ stakeholders
Identifying system and program issues that impact LGBTQ consumers
Providing system and program solutions to reduce barriers, increase access, and affirm LGBTQ consumers
Offering feedback to legislators about bill language and potential unintended impacts for the LGBTQ community
Fact sheets and reports about LGBTQ mental health issues
The Network provides technical assistance and capacity building support to LGBTQ organizations and communities. Some examples of the type of technical assistance and capacity building support we can provide includes:
Webinars on system navigation and advocacy
Fact sheets and reports about LGBTQ+ mental health
Social media toolkits that allow small organizations to raise local awareness about mental health issues
Navigating the county behavioral health budgets and MHSA plans
Information about program models being used in other regions
Information about emerging policy issues
Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from other LGBTQ organizations
Reports
Journey Together: The Annual State of LGBTQ Communities 2021
Journey Together: The Annual State of LGBTQ Communities 2021 provides detailed information about the #Out4MentalHealth Project, local LGBTQ community needs and advocacy, findings from the 2021 LGBTQ Mental Health Policy Priorities Survey, and our California LGBTQ Mental Health Policy Agenda.
Navigating the Road to Equity: The Annual State of LGBTQ Communities Report 2020
Navigating the Road to Equity: The Annual State of LGBTQ Communities Report 2020 provides findings from LGBTQ communities across California from a series of virtual gatherings. As in past years, project staff participated in community events, conferences, advocacy events, and policy, both in person and virtual. All of these activities inform the following Report.
Surveying the Road to Equity: The Annual State of LGBTQ Communities 2019
Surveying the Road to Equity: The Annual State of LGBTQ Communities, 2019 presents findings from the 2019 #Out4MentalHealth Community Survey and Bisexual Needs Assessment. The report summarizes the issues affecting LGBTQ health, mental health, and well-being, and provides recommendations to reduce stigma and improve access to LGBTQ-affirming services. The report also details findings and recommendations from two roundtables with experts on LGBTQ Sex Work and LGBTQ Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
Mapping the Road to Equity: The Annual State of LGBTQ Communities 2018
Mapping the Road to Equity: The Annual State of LGBTQ Communities, 2018 lifts up the voices of LGBTQ Californians to inform the work of community advocates, service providers, and policymakers. This report details the current state of LGBTQ health policy in California and the ways that a variety of issues impact LGBTQ mental health, including law enforcement, homelessness, school policies, and sexual orientation and gender identity data collection, and more.
If you would like assistance with improving LGBTQ mental health services in your county, please email awilliams@health-access.org for technical assistance.
Why “Just Say No” to Tobacco Fails LGBTQ+ Communities
By: Ryan Oda (he/him/his), We Breathe Program Coordinator with the CA LGBTQ HHS Network Yellowing teeth. Wrinkling skin. A dry as hell cough. We’ve all seen the ads showing the dangers of smoking cigarettes. In middle school, our teachers would pass out red ribbons and “D.A.R.E.” us to be...
