Gay Teen Suicide
Teen suicide is a pretty heavy subject. Sadly GLBT adolescents may be even more likely to commit or attempt suicide than are straight teens.
However, it is important to realize that being GLBT itself is not a risk factor for suicide. Rather, the negative treatment that many GLBT teens endure can lead to suicidal feelings.
The GLBT suicide prevention organization, the Trevor Project explains that, "Sexual orientation and gender identity alone are not risk factors for suicide. However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth face many social factors that put them at higher risk for self-destructive behaviors, including suicide."
Gay Teen Suicide Facts
According to the Massachusetts 2006 Youth Risk Survey, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. In addition, the San Francisco State University Chavez Center Institute has found that LGBTQ youth who come from a rejecting family are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.
Gay Teen Suicide Help
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please get help immediately. You can contact the Trevor Project at, 1-866-4-U-Trevor. You can also check out the resources on the Yellow Ribbon website or call them at: 1-800-SUICIDE.
