CLEVELAND, Ohio – Some Northeast Ohio residents fear that a formal policy from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland will increase the risk of suicide and self-harm among young people who identify as LGBTQ.
The policy, which went into effect earlier this month, bars students and staff from undergoing gender-affirming care and using pronouns different than those affiliated with a person’s biological sex. It also requires church or school staff members to tell the parents of a child who might be transgender.
The policy will affect students and staff members in more than 80 schools in the diocese. To many, that’s a concern, as it will impact thousands of youths in the eight-county diocese.
Sandy Varndell, co-founder and president of OutSupport, a support group in Medina County for LGBTQ people, said the new policy will “without a doubt” cause people to attempt suicide or self-harm.
“Whether the Catholic Church wants to admit it or not, these kids are hearing from leaders that they are not welcomed,” she said. “This is another stab in the back of these kids.”
A 13-year-old boy, for example, came out as transgender to his mom two years ago when he was a student at St. Francis Xavier School in Medina, which he said he was afraid to attend. Now, he takes online classes.
“I knew it wouldn’t have been safe to be trans there,” the youth said. “They wouldn’t have respected me.”
The boy’s mom, Alisha, said her family left the Catholic Church because anti-LGBTQ rules were affecting her child’s mental health. She uses they/them pronouns in describing her child.
“(They were) being two separate people,” she said, requesting anonymity because of a fear of retribution. “At school and at church they were one way. And then at home, they were themselves. Well, now they don’t have to do that anymore.”
In a statement, to cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, the diocese said it “has taken existing guidance and practice in matters of sex, sexuality and gender identity and developed them into a formal policy, rooted in scripture and Church teaching, to help ensure that these matters are addressed in a consistent, pastorally sound and authentically Catholic manner across our diocesan and parish institutions and schools.”
The fears, however, remain. LGBTQ people, especially kids, are at higher risk of self-harm and suicide, according to authorities.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, youth in middle and high schools that identify as LGBTQ are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as their heterosexual peers.
Varndell’s son came out as transgender to her nearly a decade ago when he was 19. She said he went to a counselor to cope with the different changes he was experiencing as he came out.
“Mental health is part of the transition process,” she said.
Susan Russell, president of DignityUSA Northeast Ohio, said the policy from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland “betrays the essence of Catholicism.”
“This will alienate many Catholics, and, worse, may pose real dangers, especially for children and teens coming to terms with their identities,” she said.
DignityUSA is an organization of Catholics who focus on LGBTQ rights.
“Discouraging people from living as who they are can lead to depression, anxiety and even suicidality,” the group’s executive director, Marianne Duddy-Burke, said. “Denying people access to safe bathrooms, refusing to use names and pronouns that correspond to their identities, and forcing them to dress in ways that cause discomfort and self-hatred increases the likelihood that children will stop attending school and experience mental health problems.”
Varndell is urging Catholics to stand up for LGBTQ people.
“Say something,” she begged. “This is your church. These are your people. Speak of the love that you have for your child, your neighbor, your friend, your co-worker, your student. Do not be afraid to speak to the higher powers that are within your religious tradition.”
The 13-year-old youth said he is a happier kid since coming out and being himself.
“I do get nervous in public that I’m going to be seen as a girl,” he said. “But like, apart from that, I’m happy. I don’t have to worry about if people are going to like me after they find out that I’m trans or queer. And it’s nice to also share experiences with other people and feel safe.”
He said he feels bad for students in the more than 80 Catholic schools that will be affected by the diocese’s policy.
“Jesus loved everyone,” he said. “He would spread the message to ‘love thy neighbor’ I think.”