Require LGBTQ+ Support Resources Posted in Public Institutions

 

The purpose of this act is to ensure LGBTQ+ youth and adults have easy access to affirming support resources, especially

in communities where someone may not feel safe asking for help. This bill requires public Institutions to display or

digitally provide information about crisis hotlines, mental health services, and LGBTQ+ support organizations.

 

LGBTQ+ youth and adults in Minnesota are experiencing disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges,

bullying, and family rejection. This is supported by an article from The National Alliance on Mental Health, which

states, “LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition.”

This clearly expresses the idea that individuals of the LGBTQ+ community have far worse experiences in mental health and

need additional support, and the knowledge of where to access it. Many individuals, especially in rural areas, may not

know where or what resources exist, or may feel afraid of asking for help openly. This bill provides a simple, low-cost,

non-controversial solution to increase access to crisis hotlines and support services by requiring libraries, public

schools, and government buildings to display information about LGBTQ+ inclusive mental health and crisis resources. The

requirement does not change the curriculum, require new services, or put a burden on local governments; its sole purpose

is to increase access and awareness to life-saving support.

 

Public entity: means any Minnesota public school, library, city office, or state agency facility.

LGBTQ support resources: include but are not limited to, the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, The Trevor Project (24/7

support for LGBTQ+ youth), Minnesota-based organizations (ex., OutFront Minnesota).

 

This bill requires little funding; the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights

will create and distribute free digital templates for posters and website resource pages. Public Institutions can then

print posters with already existing office supplies or display the digital version on their website at no additional

cost.

 

Enforcement is limited and supportive; public Institutions not in compliance will receive a written notice from the

Minnesota Department of Human Rights, and they will then be given 60 days to post or update resource information. If

they fail to complete after 60 days, there will be a fine of $100.

 

The following January 1st, after the bill's pass date.