LGBTQ+ Youth Survey Highlights Elevated Suicide Risk

LGBTQ+ Youth Survey Highlights Elevated Suicide Risk – A recently published report sheds light on the ongoing struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth, including mental health issues, bullying, discrimination, and heightened suicide risk.

Released on Wednesday by The Trevor Project, the 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People underscores the importance of supportive environments in mitigating these risks.

The findings not only underscore the persistent challenges confronting LGBTQ+ youth but also emphasize the positive impact of safe spaces such as LGBTQ+-inclusive homes and schools, along with access to gender-neutral facilities and clothing.

“Once again, this year’s survey highlights the alarming prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts among LGBTQ+ youth,” stated Dr. Ronita Nath, Vice President of Research at the Trevor Project.

She emphasized that while many of the factors contributing to suicide risk are preventable, they often stem from victimizing behaviors by others.

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The survey results underscore the urgent need for adults and allies to establish more affirming environments for LGBTQ+ youth and provide enhanced support to empower them to embrace their authentic selves.

According to the survey encompassing 18,000 respondents, 39% of LGBTQ+ youth aged 13 to 24 in the United States seriously contemplated suicide within the past year. This figure notably rises to 46% among transgender and nonbinary youth, with 12% of all LGBTQ+ youth having attempted suicide.

The sixth annual survey linked suicide risk with experiences of bullying, mistreatment, and stigmatization. Additionally, 90% of LGBTQ+ respondents reported that their well-being was adversely affected by political factors. Nearly half of transgender and nonbinary youth expressed considering relocation to another state due to LGBTQ+ legislation.

Janson Wu, Senior Director of State Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project, expressed concern over the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ policies advocated by extremist lawmakers nationwide.

He stressed the urgent need for policymakers to reassess the detrimental effects of such policies, considering the alarming statistics and families’ willingness to relocate for safety. Wu emphasized that no political victory should come at the expense of young lives.

Source: upi.com

Fidel Perez

A graduate of Computer Science and Information Management Technology. Diploma – Caregiving, Certificates – Dementia and Diabetes Awareness and Management. A researcher, blogger, songwriter, singer and acoustic guitarist. Born in an environment where natural talents such as healing are imparted at our natural birth. This natural talents of healing is the result of our genetic inheritance and the training from family environment.