Suicide has a disproportionate impact on the LGBTQ+ community due to various factors such as discrimination, stigma, and lack of support.

Here are some ways in which suicide affects this community:
  • Higher Rates of Suicidal Ideation: LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly youth, experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts and ideation compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers. This is often attributed to the challenges they face, including bullying, rejection, and isolation.
  • Bullying and Harassment: Many LGBTQ+ individuals face bullying, harassment, and discrimination in various settings such as schools, workplaces, and even within their families. These negative experiences contribute to mental health challenges and increase suicide risk.
  • Family Rejection: Rejection from family members after coming out can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and hopelessness, significantly increasing the risk of suicide.
  • Mental Health Disparities: LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to experience mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse due to the stress of discrimination and stigma. These conditions contribute to an increased risk of suicide.
  • Lack of Support: Limited social support networks and a lack of understanding from friends, family, and peers can exacerbate feelings of isolation and hopelessness among LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Conversion Therapy: Exposure to conversion therapy, which aims to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, is linked to severe mental health issues and higher suicide risk among LGBTQ+ individuals who have undergone it.
  • Transgender Individuals: Transgender individuals face unique challenges, including gender dysphoria and discrimination. These challenges can contribute to higher rates of suicide attempts within this subgroup.
  • Intersectionality: LGBTQ+ individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups, such as people of color or those with disabilities, face compounded challenges, increasing their vulnerability to mental health struggles and suicide.
  • Access to Healthcare: Discrimination in healthcare settings can lead to LGBTQ+ individuals avoiding seeking medical or mental health care, resulting in unaddressed mental health issues that contribute to suicide risk.
  • Substance Abuse: Some LGBTQ+ individuals turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for dealing with the challenges they face, which can increase the risk of suicide.

Efforts to address LGBTQ+ suicide involve creating safe spaces, offering mental health support tailored to their needs, combating discrimination, providing comprehensive sex education, and promoting understanding and acceptance within families, schools, and communities. It's important to acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals to effectively prevent suicide within this community.
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LGBTQ+ crisis and support resources | AFSP
24/7 Suicide Hotline for LGBTQ Youth - We’re here for you Now (thetrevorproject.org)
SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline – SAGE (sageusa.org)
How do I find LGBTQ-friendly therapy? (mhanational.org)
Equality New Mexico (eqnm.org)
Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (tgrcnm.org)
Support Groups — Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico (tgrcnm.org)

Contact the LGTBQ+ Workgroup

Porfirio (Pilo) Bueno
[email protected]