through their feelings. “Before the call, I didn’t like how I was living my life; I wanted more interaction with the LGBTQ+ community,” Blancaflor says. “I felt alone, like all my friends were cis, straight people. After we talked, I felt more understood — more valid, and it felt like what I was going through -- depressive symptoms, brought on by exposure to both racist and transphobic discrimination, found a study in the journal Ethnicity and Inequalities in Health and Social Care. At least 34 trans people have been murdered this year, though that number may be higher, given that many people are misgendered by police, healthcare professionals, and -- more inclusive, who uses they/them pronouns. In 2017, 16 states considered “bathroom bills” that would require public restrooms to be separated by sex assigned at birth. The Trump Administration banned transgender service members from the military and reinterpreted Title IX — which prohibits sex discrimination in federally funded schools — -- folks. While experiences of prejudice and fear of anti-trans stigma are associated with a higher risk of depression and suicide, those who reported having greater social support had a lower risk of these outcomes, a survey study in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found. Other research showed that transgender kids who were allowed to present -- student group GLSEN and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance at their school. They also started reaching out to people who are trans via social media. “My biggest recommendation is: If your parents are monitoring your social media, make an alt account and follow LGBT accounts and hashtags so you can get to know the community,” they say. Of course, use safe practices on social to protect yourself and others. As Staklo says, community makes a difference, and mental health organizations are seeking to make those connections. Staklo says some