Dear High Altitude Gym,

We the undersigned ask that you celebrate Pride Week this year by hosting a LGBTQ+ climbing night and/or putting up a rainbow climb.

Whilst pride events and shows of support are fun and good for business, they have a much more serious purpose: to combat the real struggles of local LGBTQ+ people, particularly youth.

In the 2022 PRC study of North Tahoe and surrounding areas, it was found that local LGBTQ+ individuals are:

• More likely to experience loneliness and social isolation compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
• Less likely to feel that the community is caring and sympathetic toward people with mental health issues.
• Facing higher rates of healthcare insecurity, with many lacking health insurance coverage.

Furthermore, many have seriously considered leaving North Tahoe due to these factors.

Being young and LGBTQ+ in America unfortunately carries high suicide risk due the mistreatment and stigma:

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 14, and the third leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds
• LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers

Worse still, LGBTQ+ youth in rural areas compared to urban areas:

• Face higher rates of victimization, including physical threats or harm (27% vs. 22%) and bullying (56% vs. 47%).
• Report fewer supportive spaces, including at home (34% vs. 41%) and school (40% vs. 53%).
• Are half as likely to say their community is supportive (34% vs. 67%), with TGNB young people reporting even lower rates (31% TGNB vs. 40% cisgender rural youth).
• Are more likely to have considered suicide (43% vs. 38%).

By fostering community, showing support and acceptance, you can make a meaningful positive impact to local LGBTQ+ people (roughly 10% of the population). You can save lives.

Thanks,

Undersigned.

——

Sources:

https://www.ttcf.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-PRC-Community-Engagement-Behavioral-Health-Survey-Report.pdf​

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/​

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/the-mental-health-and-experiences-of-lgbtq-young-people-in-the-rural-us/