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GLBTQ Youth and Suicide
Studies have shown that the key difference in regards to suicide between GLBTQ (Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning) youth and their straight identified peers is the lack of protective factors and increased existence of external risk factors for GLBTQ. Some examples of risk factors are:
- lack of family support
- increased victimization experiences (bullying, abuse)
- rejection by peers, adults, faith community
- negative coming out experiences
- homophobia/transphobia, and heterosexism
We may not be able to address all of the risk factors present in these youths’ lives, but we can increase support, which decreases the risk for suicide, self harm, and depression among GLBTQ youth remarkably.
In order to reduce the risk for suicide that’s linked to GLBTQ identity we should look at what individuals, schools, providers, and families can do to increase support. These include:
- unconditional support of a child's identity,
- access to safe and knowledgeable health care
- positive messaging from faith community
- welcoming school environment with obvious safe zones and peer-based support programs, like a gay straight alliance
- appropriate response to bullying/harassment (especially biased based)
- condemnation of heterosexism/homophobic remarks
- positive reactions to youth coming out
- adult mentors, including teachers and staff who are identified as GLBTQ-friendly
- GLBTQ inclusive policies
- GLBTQ friendly resources that are easily accessible
- confidentiality
The most important thing you can do to help a GLBTQ youth who is suicidal is to show them unconditional support and let them know you truly care about them and what they’re going through.
Bullying and Suicide
Being a victim, perpetrator or even a witness to bullying has been associated with multiple behavioral, emotional, and social problems, including an increased risk for suicidal ideation.
A recent review of 37 international studies that looked at bullying and suicide risk concluded that there was, indeed, an association. The strongest risk for suicide was found among victims and perpetrators of bullying. Girls were at a higher risk than boys for suicide.
[Kim, Young Shin & Leventhal, Bennett. (2008). Bullying and Suicide.
A Review
International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health 20(2), 133-154.]
The 2008 findings from the Washington State Healthy Youth Survey reveal:
- 44% of the 8th graders who indicated that they had been harassed for perceived sexual orientation also reported feeling depressed;
- 23% of 10th graders who reported being bullied also reported having made a suicide attempt in the past 12 months;
- Nearly half of the 12th graders who reported being bullied also reported feeling sad and hopeless almost every day for two weeks in a row and 13% reported having attempted suicide.
Find additional information in GLBTQ Youth FAQ.
Gabi Clayton, a survivor of her son, Bill's suicide, was asked this question by Heather Carter, YSPP's OUTLoud Project Coordinator: |
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Heather: |
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Gabi: Read Bill's Story
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