Messages from rainbow rangatahi to mental health professionals in training

Past research has shown significant inequities in mental health outcomes between rainbow and non-rainbow people, particularly for youth. Rainbow youth report mixed experiences when accessing support, signalling the need for increased rainbow competency training for mental health professionals (MHPs). While previous research has explored the experiences of rainbow young people, little research has sought direct messages from rainbow youth to training MHPs. The current study presents a thematic analysis of messages from rainbow rangatahi (14-24 years) to training MHPs. We identify six themes: (1) check your assumptions, (2) treat us with empathy and respect, (3) earn our trust, (4) you need to self-reflect, (5) balance getting to know me with educating yourself, and (6) hear our stories. Participants' responses describe their experiences within the mental health sector and in life, and their recommendations for what practitioners should both implement and avoid in their practice. We reflect on whether current recommendations for MHPs working with rainbow people align with these messages. Finally, we discuss the possibility of personal narratives enacting social change. The findings of the current study reflect the need for rainbow cultural competency training, grounded in the voices of rainbow people, to become mandatory for all MHPs.