We’re often told that things are so much better for gay people nowadays, and it’s true. However, that doesn’t mean coming out is easy or that queer youth don’t continue to feel “less than” their peers.
If anyone asks you why people bother to publicly come out anymore, point them in the direction of the latest survey by The Trevor Project. The organization, which offers support to younger LGBTQ+ people, has been conducting an annual survey for the past six years focussed.
Largely focussed on mental healthy, it makes for grim reading.
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The 2024 survey results were released today. The organization surveyed 18,000 people aged 13-24. These are some of the key findings.
- 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. This includes 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people.
- Around one in eight (12%) LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year. This is a slight decrease from last year’s figure (14%).
- Half of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.
- Nine out of ten LGBTQ+ young people said their well-being was negatively impacted due
to recent politics. - 45% of transgender and nonbinary young people reported that they or their family have considered moving to a different state because of queer-related politics and laws.
- Suicide attempts were higher in the 13-18 age group (16%) than in the 18-24 age group (8%).
We all know that “things get better,” but clearly some young people struggle to hear that message or believe that reality.
Support matters greatly to young people
Mental health was worse among those who said they attended schools that were not supportive of their sexuality or gender identity. In addition, 90% of LGBTQ+ young people said their well-being was negatively impacted due to recent politics.
The US has seen a spate of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced across mainly Republican-led states over the last couple of years. This includes book bans and prohibitions on trans athletes from participating in school sports matching their gender.
Last week, the Biden administration’s Education Department said it was amending Title IX to offer further protection to trans students. Already, at least five states have launched, or threatened to launch, legal action against the decision.
Among those to consider suicide, rates were highest among those who defined themselves as pansexual (47%) or “questioning” (43%), compared to those identifying as gay (35%) or lesbian (38%).
Trans men and women also showed markedly higher rates of attempted suicide. Almost one in five trans men (18%) under 24 attempted to kill themselves in the past 12 months.
At least half of all those surveyed reported feeling recent depression or anxiety. This was again higher among those aged 13-17.
“Preventable” risk factors
“The Trevor Project’s U.S. National Survey illustrates a need to better support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ young people, a group that we know consistently experiences higher rates of suicide compared to their peers,” said Dr. Ronita Nath, Vice President of Research at The Trevor Project.
“Once again, this year’s survey shows that considering or attempting suicide is not uncommon among LGBTQ+ young people. However, many of the contributing risk factors for suicide are preventable, and often rooted in victimizing behaviors of others.
“The results of this survey clearly identify a need for adults and allies to create more affirming environments for LGBTQ+ young people, and better support them in being their true selves.”
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678. In the US, you can also call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988.
Related*
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How Hope Giselle overcame bullying to help others live their best lives
Trigger warning: This story contains content about suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Suicide Prevention Awareness Week (September 4-10) is bringing light to […]
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Diplomat
T=ultra high maintenance
abfab
dippo=not enough maintenance in the world
dbmcvey
There is truly something wrong with dips.
abfab
He’a pure joy.
inbama
So infinite identities haven’t fixed everything?
still_onthemark
The statistics show the pans#xuals can feel healthier by simply realizing they are bis#xuals.
abfab
fix yourself
dbmcvey
Were they meant to?
still_onthemark
In high school (long ago) I was bullied and sometimes thought of su!c!de. Had never met a g@y person (that I knew of). With all the internet support they have now, I don’t get this… unless SOME of the internet support makes things worse. Being told constantly that you’re ment@lly !ll, and believing it, can’t be helpful.
Kangol2
Support them, don’t mock them.
abfab
They have not the capacity for compasion.
crannyberries
Pray tell, how do yall plan to ‘support’ them? Yall haven’t presented a coherent plan yet. All you have? “Love is love” and various catchphrases.
abfab
deeeeeeeee dee made thier way back in
inbama
@cranberries
Were you referring to one person or thousands?
So hard to tell these days.
crannyberries
And Dips is right. It does equal a lifetime of ultra high maintenance. Blaming it on the usual suspects does not negate the inconvenient truth.
dbmcvey
dips is targeting a single segment of the population.
abfab
Be careful whenever you read these two above offering advice……the cranzee twins.
abfab
Sorry, the triplet tro lls.
dbmcvey
Wow. When you see the lack of compassion from the commenters here, who are supposedly in the community, you have to wonder how anyone survives.
abfab
inbama especially….sinking to new lows with each ”comment”