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In the UK, there is need for
research into the growing number
of LGBT youth suicides as this is a
vastly high number.
The following information contains some
facts based on a study of LGBT youth
suicides in the USA, UK and wider World
community; this is very alarming to say the
least.
Researchers have found that suicide among
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and
questioning youth (LGBT) is comparatively
higher than among the general population.
This is linked to heterocentric cultures and
institutionalised homophobia, including
the use of LGBT people as a political wedge
issue like in the contemporary efforts to halt
legalising same-sex marriages. Depression
and drug use among LGBT people have both
been shown to increase significantly after new
laws that discriminate against gay people are
passed.
Numerous studies have shown that lesbian,
gay, and bisexual youth have a higher rate of
suicide attempts than do heterosexual youth.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Centre
synthesized these studies and estimated
that between 30 and 40% of LGB youth,
depending on age and sex groups, have
attempted suicide. A U.S. government study,
titled Report of the Secretary’s Task Force
on Youth Suicide, published in 1989, found
that LGBT youth are four times more likely
to attempt suicide than other young people.
This higher prevalence of suicidal ideation
and overall mental health problems among
gay teenagers compared to their heterosexual
peers has been attributed to minority stress.
“More than 34,000 people die by suicide each
year,” making it “the third leading cause of
death among 15 to 24 year olds with lesbian,
gay, and bisexual youth attempting suicide up
to four times more than their heterosexual
peers.” No such study has yet been attempted
here in the UK at this level, but the issue of
LGBT Youth Suicides is on comparison the
same as in the US.
Where can you find help?
Pride London is unable to offer any direct
support but if you would like to speak to
someone about the issues raised in this section
you can find help and support at the following
sites:
Schools Out ‐ www.schools-out.org.uk
Stonewall ‐ www.stonewall.org.uk
Broken rainbow - www.broken‐rainbow.org.uk
London Friend ‐ www.londonfriend.org.uk
Pace ‐ www.pacehealth.org.uk
www.fyne.co.uk
7
Suicide in the
LGBT Community