LGBTQ Suicide Is A Plague That Can Be Stopped.
Written by an LGBTQ therapist in Long Beach.
California legislators passed a bill (Bill (AB) 2246 ) that forces all schools to put suicide prevention plans in place for students in grades 7-12. The bill was backed by The Trevor Project and Equality California. It was a landmark ruling that acknowledges a major problem in the LGBTQ community. Our youth don’t feel supported and turn to suicide as a way to cope. In California alone, 49% of LGBTQ students from ages 12-17 have seriously considered suicide, according to SELF. Those are scary statistics, but the numbers are indicative of what’s happening around the country.
LGBTQ youth from ages 15-24 attempt suicide four times more often than heterosexual youth of the same age group. The disparity is staggering, but it’s a clear indication that something has to be done. California’s latest ruling represents a big step in the right direction.
Younger LGBTQ people are more susceptible to suicide because of the extreme lack of acceptance at a time when fitting in means everything. According to a Wikipedia page on LGBTQ youth suicides, one study showed that 90% of LGBTQ youth had been bullied or harassed because of their sexuality. Also, three times as many LGBTQ students said they didn’t feel safe at school compared to straight students.
Harassment, bullying, and a lack of intervention to stop both can often lead young people to turn to suicide as a cure. It can get so bad that taking their own lives seems like the only way out.
If there’s any good news in this scenario, it’s that suicide can be prevented. Suicide rates have been drastically lower in schools that founded gay-straight alliances. When young LGBTQ people are able to get the support that they need and feel a sense of inclusion, they have a better chance at a fuller life.
For anyone out there who is considering suicide as an option, know that life does get better. As you get older, you gain more control of building the world around you. You can surround yourself with people who love and support you. You can get involved at a local LGBTQ center. You can celebrate in annual pride festivities with other people just like you. You can hang out at LGBTQ clubs and feel free to live in your truth. Just because there are people at school who don’t understand you now doesn’t mean it will always be that way. It truly does get better.
For the parents, friends, or siblings of LGBTQ people, the best thing you can do is be supportive. You have no idea how meaningful your love and understanding is for a person who’s coming out. How you treat your LGBTQ child, friend, or sibling can make all the difference in how they progress and adjust.
Suicide is a devastating act for everyone involved, but it can be stopped with prevention efforts from schools, governments, and loved ones. If everyone in America can get on-board with California’s actions, suicide can be greatly reduced. My hope/dream is that if enough support is out there and enough people get involved is that maybe it could be extinguished once and for all.
If you need support, please call or email me to set up an appointment.