California Expands Support for LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Through “This Is Me” Campaign

This Is Me was created by and for LGBTQ+ young people across California, featuring authentic stories from LGBTQ+ teens across California and free tools young people can use to manage stress.

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) today announced a new phase of outreach to support the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ young people across the state. This Is Me is a campaign created by and for LGBTQ+ youth in California, where real stories are told honestly, without filters or judgment. The campaign is part of Take Space to Pause, California’s statewide effort to give all young people the tools and language they need to care for their mental health.

“This Is Me is about showing up as your whole self, even when life feels overwhelming,” a young person from Los Angeles shared. “When I saw other LGBTQ+ youth share their stories, it reminded me that there’s no perfect way to be queer and that taking space for yourself is something we all deserve.”

Through digital storytelling, youth ambassadors, and community partnerships, This Is Me brings visibility to the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ youth while providing practical tools to manage stress and build resilience. Together, This Is Me and Take Space to Pause are helping California’s young people normalize conversations about mental health and find everyday ways to care for themselves and each other.

In just two months this past summer, more than 200,000 people visited TakeSpaceToPause.org/LGBTQ, where young people can access culturally and linguistically relevant tools, videos, and resources. All campaign resources are free, bilingual, and accessible to ensure every young person can find tools that resonate with their experience. The strong engagement reflects a growing commitment among California’s youth to seek help and prioritize emotional wellbeing.

LGBTQ+ youth face unique stressors from the process of questioning and coming out to navigating acceptance at home, school, and in their communities. Studies, including one from the Search Institute, show they experience higher rates of bullying, violence, and family rejection, and are less likely to have trusted adults they can turn to for support. This Is Me and Take Space to Pause aim to change that by connecting young people to understanding communities and practical tools that remind them: it’s okay to ask for help.

“California is deeply committed to ensuring every young person, no matter who they are or where they live, has access to mental health resources that feel relevant, safe, and supportive,” said Dr. Sohil Sud, Director of CYBHI. “This Is Me reminds LGBTQ+ youth that their stories, voices, and emotions matter. Taking space to breathe, reflect, and reach out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Take Space to Pause gives them simple, practical tools to do just that.”

Designed in collaboration with young people from across California, This Is Me shares real stories from LGBTQ+ teens by spotlighting voices from rural communities, transition-age youth, youth with disabilities, and those involved in the justice and foster care systems. The campaign celebrates authenticity and self-expression while highlighting the importance of pausing, reaching out, and connecting with others.

Visit TakeSpaceToPause.org/LGBTQ for resources, tips, and stories created by and for California’s LGBTQ+ young people.