LGBTQ+ Youth Study Reveals Alarming Trend

Recent alarming data from the largest survey of transgender and nonbinary youth say that more than half seriously considered suicide, according to the Trevor Project. A new algorithm can help pinpoint suicide risk early (click here) but is only one solution to a broader problem. 48% of the 40,000 13-24 year old LGBTQ+ group said that they engaged in self harm acts, 60% among trans and nonbinary youth. 40% of the total group reported having seriously considered attempting suicide.

The study took place just before the pandemic from December 2019 to March 2020. The pandemic has now created a new challenge for the LGBTQ population and for educators, policymakers and others seeking greater support for this population. 46% of this group reported that they wanted psychological or emotional counseling from a mental health professional but were unable to receive it. This data points to mental health disparities LGBTQ+ face including discrimination, housing instability, and conversion therapy trauma.

Father Mike Johnson spoke in Hartford Connecticut May 20th about the importance of today’s younger generation helping to create better understanding of LGBTQ+ and nonbinary issues. “It’s so important to teach other generations, older generations who just don’t understand…you have 70 some years to make your mark,” Johnson told a group of confirmation students at St. Patrick St. Anthony Church, which has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ population.