LGBTQ YOUTH SUICIDE
Greetings Fellow Rustin's, today's topic is about suicide amongst the LGBTQ youth and what we know about it.
According to the the Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis support for LGBTQ youth founded rising rates of suicidal thoughts, as well as significant disparities among trans youth and LGBTQ youth of color. Some of the key findings were rates of suicide attempts were generally higher among LGBTQ youth of color, and particularly among Native/Indigenous LGBTQ youth
(Trevor Project 2019):
21% say they attempted suicide in the past year.
60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were unable to get it.
73% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety
58% reported experiencing depression symptoms..
Last year, laws targeting LGBTQ youth had emerged across the country which caused an 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year because of things like the "Don't Say Gay" bill and for example Alabama's state legislature voted to ban gender-affirming medical care for trans youth to name a few. Not to mention, nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide and more than 60% of LGBTQ youth said their home wasn't affirming. Nearly 2 in 5 LGBTQ youth said they lived in a community that wasn't accepting of LGBTQ people.
The LGBTQ community is diverse and made up of different experiences, identities, and challenges. However, members of the community are disproportionately at-risk for suicide and other mental health struggles.
Helping LGBTQ youth in communities where opportunities are limited are important for their future. Support from family, trusted adults, and friends make all the difference for transgender children and youth. Be an active part of your loved ones’ support systems and check in with them often. If they show any warning signs for suicide, be direct and ask. Tell them it’s OK to talk about suicidal feelings. Listen to their story without offering advice or judgment.
If you know any LGBTQ Youth that may have issues at home or school and is talking about suicide, please call The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
The Trevor Project. (2019). Research Brief: Accepting Adults Reduce Suicide Attempts Among LGBTQ Youth. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/accepting-adults-reduce-suicide-attempts-among-lgbtq-youth/