#Out4MentalHealth

Mission

Our mission is to advance health equity for 2S/LGBTQIA+ communities by centering their lived experiences in response to opioid and substance use disorders. Building on the legacy of #Out4MentalHealth, this initiative mobilizes community power to reduce stigma, expand culturally affirming care, and strengthen systems that support LGBTQ+ people across California.

We collect and uplift community stories to ensure prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts reflect the realities, needs, and resilience of 2S/LGBTQIA+ people. Through intentional outreach, we provide harm-reduction and prevention kits, connect individuals with affirming resources, and engage directly with those most impacted by OUD, StUD, and SUD.

To transform the systems meant to care for us, we offer comprehensive LGBTQ+ cultural competency trainings to treatment programs, behavioral health providers, outreach teams, and recovery services. These trainings empower organizations to deliver sensitive, affirming, and effective care to 2S/LGBTQIA+ people navigating substance use challenges.

Fact Sheets

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.

Technical Assistance

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 and substance use disorders

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 OUD, StUD, and mental health issues
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.

Download full report

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.

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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.

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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.

Download full report

How To Get Involved