Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth: A Vital Part of Suicide Prevention in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire a crucial battle for the safety and well-being of our LGBTQ+ youth is underway. At the heart of this is the New Hampshire Suicide Prevention Council (SPC), dedicated to reducing the incidence of suicide through awareness, support, and policy change. However, in recent times, the council faces challenge posed by legislative efforts that threaten to erode the protective factors vital for the mental health of LGBTQ+ Granite Staters.
It's imperative to recognize that marginalized populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, are not inherently more prone to suicide due to their gender identity or sexual orientation. Rather, the heightened risk stems from the harsh realities of discrimination, stigma, and mistreatment they face in society. When LGBTQ+ youth are embraced by affirming communities and provided with supportive environments, their risk of suicide falls below that of the general teen population. Conversely, experiencing discrimination, whether interpersonal or systemic, significantly elevates their vulnerability to mental health crises and suicidal ideation.
The NH Suicide Prevention Council stands as a voice against legislative measures that directly exacerbate the risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. Upholding its vision of a New Hampshire where every individual feels safe enough to live another day, the council vehemently opposes policies that undermine the well-being of LGBTQ+ Granite Staters. Through advocacy, awareness-raising, and the promotion of inclusive policies, the council strives to create a nurturing environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive without fear of discrimination or harm.
Established in 2008, the New Hampshire Suicide Prevention Council operates with a clear mission: to reduce the incidence of suicide in the state through multifaceted strategies outlined in the State Suicide Prevention Plan. By raising public and professional awareness, addressing mental health and substance misuse needs, supporting those affected by suicide, and advocating for policy change, the council endeavors to build a resilient community where every life is valued and protected.
However, the current landscape in New Hampshire presents daunting challenges. Data-driven insights reveal that LGBTQ+ students in the state are more than three times more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide—a stark reality directly linked to ongoing stigmatization and discrimination. The removal of supportive spaces in families, schools, and communities further compounds this risk, underscoring the critical importance of fostering inclusive environments and providing access to affirming healthcare for LGBTQ+ youth.
In the realm of policy, the state faces a critical juncture. Proposed bills threaten to diminish access to core protective factors for LGBTQ+ youth, including inclusive schools, supportive communities, and healthcare services. Such regressive measures not only jeopardize the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ youth but also perpetuate harmful narratives that undermine their identities and worth. Moreover, the introduction of these bills has already inflicted harm, with 80% of LGBTQ+ youth reporting negative impacts on their well-being—an alarming statistic that underscores the urgency of action.
As advocates for suicide prevention, it is incumbent upon all stakeholders to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth and oppose state policies that sow seeds of discrimination and exclusion. By safeguarding inclusive spaces, amplifying affirming narratives, and advocating for policies that prioritize the mental health and well-being of all individuals, we can forge a future where every young person in New Hampshire feels valued, supported, and empowered to live their truth without fear of stigma or harm.