When we discuss groups that are more at risk for suicide, amongst the most vulnerable, are LGBTQ+ youth. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people. LGBTQ+ young people are more than 4 times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. Being gay or transgender does not make you more likely to be depressed or suicidal. Instead, it is society’s treatment and marginalization of LGBTQ+ people that is responsible for the mental health challenges this group often faces. 

We talk with Austin Davis Ruiz (he/him) of the Montrose Center about the myriad of reasons LGBTQ+ youth face such high risk of suicide. Across the nation there are sweeping efforts to dismantle protections for transgender and non-binary youth. Additionally, there are increased efforts to silence gay and lesbian adults from sharing their stories. This sends a very clear message to LGBTQ+ youth that they are unwelcome and unwanted. Of course, this takes a toll on their mental health. Finally, many parents have a hard time accepting their kids if they come out as gay or transgender. When an adult is accepting of a child’s gender identity or sexual orientation, the child’s rate of suicide is significantly reduced. For more on ways to better protect the mental health of your LGBTQ+ child, check out this week’s blog, “Affirming Your Child’s Gender Identity.”