Black transgender and non-binary youth attempted suicide at a rate twice as high as their cisgender peers in the LBGTQ+ community during the last year, according to a new study from The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organisation for LGBTQ+ young people.
Content warning: This story may include topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable.
One in four (25%) reported a suicide attempt in the last 12 months, while one in 10 (12%) of Black cisgender LGBQ youth said they had attempted to take their own life.
Black trans+ youth also reported higher rates of poor mental health indicators compared to their cis peers, with this group also facing higher rates of victimisation, housing instability and attempts from others to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.
However, the organisation found that Black trans and non-binary young people with social support from their family were 47% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the last year.
READ MORE: The Trevor Project releases powerful documentary uplifting trans youth
Dr. Myeshia Price, Director of Research Science at The Trevor Project, said the stark findings prove that the mental health of Black trans+ youth “is a public health crisis”.
“Black trans and nonbinary young people are an especially vulnerable group as they hold multiple marginalized identities that place them at higher suicide risk,” they continued.
“In addition to the challenges faced by all young people, Black trans and nonbinary young people experience violence, discrimination, and homelessness at alarmingly high rates, even compared to their cisgender LGBQ peers.
“These sobering data illustrate the importance of understanding intersectionality and the unique stressors that exist at the intersection of race/ethnicity and gender identity.
“Immediate steps must be taken by educators, youth-serving adults, and mental health professionals to ensure that Black trans and nonbinary young people feel seen, supported, and protected against a world that so often brings them harm.”
The Trevor Project offers 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ people needing to speak with someone, which you can learn more about here.
For US Crisis Services: If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counsellors are available 24/7 at 18664887386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.
For Mexico Crisis Services: If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counsellors in Mexico are available 24/7 via chat at TheTrevorProject.MX/Ayuda, via SMS by texting “Comenzar” to 67676, or via WhatsApp by texting 55 9225 3337.
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