ORLANDO, Fla. — The Trevor Project released data that shows an alarming number of transgender youth — specifically in the African-American community — are trying to take their own lives. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Trevor Project reports one in four Black transgender or nonbinary youth attempted suicide in 2022

  • Angelica Jones says as a transwoman of color, there are a lot of places she doesn’t feel welcomed walking into

  • Through Miracle of Love, counselors at the Stafford House in Orlando provide counseling and other resources young people in the transgender community

Angelica Jones said as a trans woman of color, there are a lot of places she doesn’t feel welcomed walking into. But she feels safe at the Stafford House in Orlando. 

“You are able to come here and let your guard down,” said Jones.

Jones says places like the Stafford House are even more important during a time when some political leaders are working to strip away rights from the transgender community. A community Jones said was already facing struggles with mental health. The Trevor Project reports one in four Black transgender or nonbinary youth attempted suicide in 2022.

Jones says unfortunately, those stats don’t surprise her. She says people in her community are constantly fighting for acceptance, and that can take a mental toll.

“So a lot of people don’t feel the opportunity or the freedom to be themselves, so they lock themselves back in that closet,” said Jones. “And there’s so much that goes on when you can’t be yourself.”

Jones, who goes by Angelica Sanchez when she performs drag, said entertaining has given her a good way to make a living. An alternative to working the streets. Something she said many in the transgender community turn to when other jobs in society won’t accept them for who they are.

“I had the option of either doing this or being a sex worker, and I thank God that I had individuals that were actually out there and knew that wasn’t the plan for me. They pretty much told me ‘girl you don’t need to be out here, get back to the club and get on stage,’” said Jones.

Even life on stage brought trauma. Jones escaped the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in 2016. She’s continued to find support from other people in the LGBTQ community.

Mulan Montrese Williams is one of several counselors at the Stafford House who, through Miracle of Love, work with young people in the transgender community. Including some who might feel ending their lives is the only option.

“We just encourage them to keep fighting, and I also let them into my life. I was once suicidal,” said Williams. “And right now, I think it would be kind of common for folks to be feeling that way with everything that’s going on in the world. We’re being attacked on the street and we’re being attacked by our own government.”

Jones said that’s why it’s so important people in her community stick together, support one another, and share resources available that could ultimately save lives.

“If we can be a beacon of hope and light to shed that on others, then that’s a good thing. If we can save one, then that one can save maybe two, you know, and it trickles down,” said Jones.

If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please seek help. You can reach the suicide and crisis lifeline by simply dialing 988.