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LGBTQIA+ Suicide: Awareness, Statistics, and Prevention

By: Claire Butcher

The LGBTQIA+ community continues to face a unique set of challenges that impact mental health and elevate suicide rates. The complexity of discrimination, oppression, and lack of tailored resources requires targeted prevention strategies. By reviewing the statistics and strategies we can help educate ourselves and advocate for safer and more supportive environments for all queer and trans individuals. 

(**In this article I will occasionally exchange the term “LGBTQIA+” for “Queer and Trans” individuals/community. Please note this phrase is intended to include all non-straight and non-cisgender identities, including but not limited to: gender non-confirming, nonbinary, gender-queer, agender, and gender-fluid.)

Know the Stats

Research shows that LGBTQIA+ individuals experience a higher rate of suicidal ideation and attempts. According to the 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People, 39% of LGBTQ+ youth considered attempting suicide in the past year. Disparities were more pronounced with TNB youth (trans/non-binary), 46% reporting seriously considering attempting suicide. Double minorities like LGBTQIA+ BIPOC youth have reported higher rates of ideation than White youth. 

Contributing factors to these alarming rates include, but are not limited to: 

Social Discrimination and Stigma: Queer and Trans individuals often face social rejection and discrimination, leading to mental health challenges and stress associated with being ostracized. Research shows that over half of LGBTQIA+ workers have reported unfair treatment and engaged in “covering” or “masking” behaviors to avoid harassment while at work. 

Nearly half (49%) of Queer and Trans youth ages 13 to 17 reported facing bullying in the past year, those reporting experiencing a significantly higher rate of attemping suicide compared to those who did not experience bullying. LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults rejected from their families and caregivers due to their gender identity and sexual orientation are more likely to report suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, including higher rates of depression, drug use, and risk of being victim to violent discrimination. 

Physical and Mental Healthcare Discrimination: A survey in 2023 found that 33% of LGBTQIA+ adults reported they were treated unfairly by a healthcare provider compared to 15% of non-LGBTQIA+ adults. This unfair treatment can take the form of being blamed for a health problem, having concerns or questions ignored, or refusal of pain medication. Black and Hispanic LGBTQIA+ adults were also more likely to experience unfair and disrespectful treatment by health care clinicians compared to white LGBTQIA+ adults. 

For LGBTQIA+ youth seeking mental health care, 50% reported being unable to receive it for the following reasons: feeling “afraid” to discuss mental health concerns, being unable to afford care, not feeling safe to ask for parent/caregiver’s permission, fear of not being “taken seriously”, fear of discrimination by mental health clinicians or being “outed”, and more. 

Housing and Employment Discrimination: Despite the Fair Housing Act including protection of LGBTQIA+ people, many Queer and Trans people face housing discrimination and bias when seeking rental properties or buying homes. This discrimination contributes to higher rates of houselessness and housing instability within the Queer and Trans communities. Around 28% of LGBTQIA+ youth reported experiencing houselessness and/or housing instability at some point in their lives. Those who reported were “two to four times more likely” to report experiencing depression, self-harm, anxiety, and considering and attempting suicide compared to those who have stable housing. 

A 2022 U.S. survey found half of LGBTQIA+ adults reported experiencing workplace discrimination because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Transgender adults (including gender-nonconforming, gender-fluid, agender, and gender-queer respondents) report a higher level of workplace discrimination (37%) compared to 23% of LGBQ adults and 17% of non-LGBTQIA+ adults. Sixty-five percent of Trans and Nonbinary respondents reported making changes to their dress and mannerisms, and 63% reported “hiding personal relationships to avoid harassment and discrimination. 

Anti-LGBTQIA+ Policies: In 2023, 90% of LGBTQIA+ youth reported their mental health was negatively impacted by recent politics, specifically anti-LGBTQ policies. Legislation discriminating against queer and trans individuals increases the likelihood of suicidality among LGBTQIA+ youth. 

Ramping up since 2021, lawmakers across 22 states have introduced legislation attacking queer and trans individuals, their right to gender-affirming healthcare, freedom of speech, public accommodations, and more. You can track anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation by state and topic here.

Prevention and Action: Addressing elevated suicide rates within the LGBTQIA+ community requires a multifaceted approach that includes increased individual and community support and policy change. Here are some key strategies that are shown to be effective prevention:

Promoting Inclusivity and Acceptance: Making efforts to reduce stigma and promote education and acceptance are vital. LGBTQIA+ support can be implemented in schools, workplaces, and communities/local policy. It’s important to note in community and workplace settings to avoid putting the ‘mental load’ on LGBTQIA+ people to educate non-LGBTQIA+ people, and encourage allies to do their own research and invest time to promote inclusivity. Here are some other ways you can promote LGBTQIA+ acceptance in your schools and workplaces. 

Improving Mental Health Resources: Accessible mental health services affirming of LGBTQIA+ people are crucial to reducing suicide risk. This can include training mental health clinicians on the unique experiences and challenges the community faces, providing tailored mental health care, and equipping people with crisis hotlines specializing in LGBTQIA+ mental health (such as the Trevor Project). Building resilience can also be a great tool to help cope with LGBTQIA+-related stressors and discrimination.

Advocating for Policy Change: Public policy plays a significant role in addressing systemic issues that address Queer and Trans health. To advocate for inclusive healthcare policies, LGBTQIA+ rights, and anti-discrimination policies can help create a more supportive community.Staying informed, donating, and volunteering time to Queer and Trans advocacy groups is a great way to start. 

The drastic suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals are a critical issue that demands attention and action. By understanding the contributing factors and implementing targeted prevention strategies we can continue working towards reducing these rates and supporting the well-being of Queer and Trans individuals. Through collective efforts of fostering family support, initiating community action, and policy advocacy, meaningful change can be achieved so that all LGBTQIA+ people can not only exist in peace, but thrive in safety and support. 

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