LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Risk- How Can We Help?
According to the Trevor Project, 45% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year -- and 1 in 5 trans youth attempted suicide in the past year (Trevor Project, 2022). Who are LGBTQ+ youth, why is their risk of suicide so high, and what can we do about it?
Why are suicide rates so high for LGBTQ+ youth?
While LGBTQ+ identities have become more visible in our society, this community still faces consistent and persistent discrimination and mistreatment. The minority stress hypothesis argues that the reason minority populations – including LGBTQ+ youth -- face higher mental health concerns relates to the social stressors they face as a result of their minority status. The current data on LGBTQ+ youth are an example of this pattern:
More than 70% of LGBTQ+ report having experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at least once
19% of these youth who experienced discrimination attempted suicide in the past year. Suicide attempt rates for youth who did not experience discrimination was 7% (Trevor Project, 2022)
36% of LGBTQ+ youth have been physically threatened or harmed due to their identity and these youth face much higher rates of having attempted suicide. (Trevor Project 2022)
Discrimination and mistreatment causing stress for LGBTQ+ youth can occur at home, at school, and/or in the wider community.
In New Hampshire schools, more than half of LGBTQ+ students experienced harassment or assault, and reported discrimination against LGBTQ+ students in schools increased from 2019 to 2021. (This includes systemic or institutional discrimination such as policy restrictions on using preferred names and pronouns and being prevented from wearing clothing that aligns with one’s gender identity). (GLSEN, 2021).
Examples of anti-transgender legislation related to public schools and community settings that seek to restrict access to affirming environments abound.
Anxiety disorders are profound among LGBTQ+ youth (73% of LGBTQ+ youth report symptoms of anxiety) and these social/minority stressors exacerbate anxiety in youth.
Treatment of LGBTQ+ youth at home can likewise be harmful, More than 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ youth report homelessness or housing instability at some point in their lives (Trevor Project, 2022)
What can we do to foster LGBTQ+ youth resilience?
It’s important to say at the outset that LGBTQ+ youth are not inherently more at risk and can and do thrive! While the data above is startling, research suggests that affirming practices around youth can and will minimize the harm of discrimination and reduce suicide risk.
Method 1: Respect self- identification and do not “out” anyone
When someone tells you who they are, respect it. You don’t need to fully understand something to show that you care.
If you don’t know what a term means, you can say: “Thank you for trusting me and sharing that. What does that mean for how I can make sure that you feel safe and affirmed?”
Be mindful of not reacting negatively if/when someone comes out to you; including in your body language. Avoid questions that are unnecessarily invasive.
Method 2: Ask and Tell pronouns and signal inclusion
Research suggests that transgender and nonbinary youth whose pronouns are respected attempt suicide at half the rate of youth whose pronouns are not respected (Trevor Project, 2021).
Sharing your own pronouns in an introduction can signal that you will respect a youth, no matter how they identify. For example, “Hi, my name is Sally and I use She and They pronouns.”
Consider including your pronouns and/or other allship symbol on your nametag, lanyard, or desk.
Method 3: Acknowledge stereotypes, do not make assumptions, and use inclusive language.
Do not assume someone’s identity based on their gender expression. These assumptions are often based on stereotypes, which are overgeneralized and contribute to marginalization. The only way to know is to ask.
That said, when someone comes out to you, do not assume that you can share this identity with others without their permission. Sharing without permission could open youth up to harm. Youth should be empowered to come out to people at their own pace.
Utilize inclusive language such as gender-neutral language, or phrasing that removes binary assumptions. For example, instead of saying, “Good morning boys and girls,” one could say “Good morning students, folks, friends, etc.”. Another example surrounds family composition. Avoid saying, “bring this to your mom and dad.” Some youth live with a single parent, same sex parents, a grandparent, a foster parent, or in a range of other family-types. By using inclusive language, all youth have the opportunity to feel included.
Method 4: Address discrimination; advocate for inclusive policies and practices.
If you see something, say something. For example, if you hear a youth being misgendered (called by incorrect pronouns), harassed, bullied, or discriminated against, take action. Treat the situation as you would treat bullying on
the basis of any other marginalized identity, such as race or disability status.
When harmful comments or practices occur by other adults, call them aside and address it head-on. For example, you might say, “Joe actually uses he/him pronouns and it’s important that we respect that”. If the behavior persists, report it to the administration or other officials (especially if the administration is the source of the bigotry). Even jokes are harmful and promote marginalization.
Review your school/agency policies and practices to make sure they include a nondiscrimination policy that considers LGBTQ+ students and addresses issues like a gender-neutral dress code and gender-neutral bathrooms/changing area. Look at forms and applications to ensure that they are inclusive of all identities and family structures.
Method 5: Celebrate diversity in schools.
Ensure representation in books and materials and celebrate diverse identities.
LGBTQ+ people are not determined by their struggle and we should celebrate “queer” joy. Consider celebrating Pride month. Children who see adults celebrating our differences as human beings can replicate this behavior and learn to accept differences.
Support the school’s GSA (Gender/ Sexuality Alliance) or help form one and promote inclusive curriculum/ inclusive professional development. Transgender and nonbinary students who have access to supportive school clubs/ personnel, inclusive curriculum, and comprehensive anti-bullying practices miss less school and report higher levels of school belonging (GLSEN, 2022).
When there are safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and educated school personnel, all youth (even straight/ cisgender peers) show decreased symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts/ behaviors, and suicide attempts (Kaczkowski et al, 2022)
Youth who do not experience anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination at school miss school three times less and their GPAs are higher. These youth are less likely to be disciplined at school, less likely to be depressed, and have higher self-esteem. Schools play a part in addressing the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth, either through action or inaction.
Being an ally to LGBTQ+ youth is an ongoing effort. You won’t be perfect all of the time and everyone makes mistakes. If you make a misstep, recognize any harm caused, apologize, and move forward, rather than get defensive.
The single most important take away: When youth have one supportive adult in their life, rates of suicide attempts decrease by 40%. You can be that safe adult. You can save a youth’s life.
By Jessica Goff (She/Hers), MSW
Community Outreach + Education Coordinator