The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention just released the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Study that measures results among
lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students. This survey measures a variety
of risks, ranging from substance use to seat belt utilization. Most importantly
for the Trevor Project, the study identifies the prevalence of suicidal
thoughts, plans, behaviors, and attempts.
While the study
has previously taken some measurement of the risk behaviors of LGB youth in a
few states and large cities, the 2015 data, released today, is unique because
it is the first body of knowledge on this topic that depicts a nationally
representative sample of LGB youth. Although it is progress that some
nonstraight sexualities have been included in this study, we recognize that the
wide spectrum of sexualities and gender identities have yet to be studied. More
data needs to be collected on transgender youth, as nearly half of young
transgender people have seriously thought about taking their lives, and one
quarter report having made a suicide attempt.
It is
devastating to note in CDC’s study that in the last year, 43 percent of LGB
students in grades 9-12 seriously considered suicide, 38 percent made a suicide
plan, and nearly 30 percent attempted suicide. The CDC has further identified
that LGB students are more than four times more likely than their straight
peers to have a suicide attempt severe enough to require medical attention.
This 2015 study shows that lesbian, gay, and bisexual students are as much as
three times more likely to experience physical and sexual dating violence than
their heterosexual peers. As the only national accredited suicide prevention
and crisis intervention service for LGBTQ youth, the Trevor Project knows that
when combined with other risk factors and a lack of support, such violence can
put young people at high risk for suicide. These rates are significantly higher
than those of heterosexual students, demonstrating the increased attention that
needs to focus on these vulnerable populations.
While
incredibly informative about prevalence, the study does not report on the
causes of these challenges. There are certainly many contributing factors to
consider, but it is also very important to note what can be done to foster
resilience and safety for LGB youth. Families, schools, and communities must
come together to reduce the risk for LGBTQ youth suicide by creating safe
environments, helping youth connect to family, peers, and other caring adults
who can provide support and links to services. You can take part in improving
the lives of 1.3 million high school students who report being LGBTQ by showing
them that you care about their mental health:
·
Connect youth to Trevor’s crisis services. We save young lives 24/7
at (866) 488-7386;TrevorChat.org is
available 3-9 p.m. Eastern and noon-6 p.m. Pacific daily, and youth can text
Trevor to (202) 304-1200 Thursday and Friday 4-8 p.m. Eastern and 1-5 p.m.
Pacific. Young people can also find friends on our online safe supportive
communityTrevorSpace.org as well
as resources at our Support Center.
·
Create classrooms of peers who are better equipped to help through
acceptance and support with Lifeguard, Trevor’s free
online suicide prevention and crisis intervention education program for middle
and high school students.
·
Advocate for the adoption of comprehensive, inclusive suicide
prevention policies in school districts around the country and encourage the
use of our Model School
Policy, which can help school districts draft suicide prevention,
intervention, and postvention policies based on their specific needs.
Help create a
brighter future for LGBTQ youth by showing them that despite discrimination,
violence, and victimization, LGBTQ youth can thrive, they matter, and they
deserve support. More resources available at TheTrevorProject.org.
ABBE LAND is
the executive director and CEO of the Trevor Project.
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