Experienced Homophobia and Suicide Among Young Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Men in Singapore: Exploring the Mediating Role of Depression Severity, Self-Esteem, and Outness in the Pink Carpet Y Cohort Study

Abstract

Purpose: No prior study has been published on suicide-related behaviors among gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (GBTQ) men in Singapore, where sexual relations between men are criminalized. This study explores the association and mediational pathways between experienced homophobia and suicidal ideation or suicide attempts among young GBTQ men in Singapore. Methods: Results of this study were derived from baseline data of the Pink Carpet Y Cohort Study, Singapore's first prospective cohort study among young GBTQ men. The sample comprised 570 young GBTQ men 18 to 25 years of age who were HIV negative or unsure of their HIV status. Statistical analyses were conducted through descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression, and structural equation modeling techniques. Results: Of 570 participants, 58.9% (n = 308) reported ever contemplating suicide, whereas 14.2% (n = 76) had ever attempted suicide. Controlling for key demographic variables, multivariable logistic regression revealed that experienced homophobia and depression severity were positively associated with a history of suicidal ideation, whereas depression severity and outness were positively associated with a history of suicide attempts. Mediation analyses revealed that depression severity and self-esteem partially accounted for the relationship between experienced homophobia and suicidal ideation, whereas depression severity and outness partially accounted for the relationship with suicide attempts. Conclusions: The prevalence of suicidal ideation and past suicide attempts was found to be high in a sample of young GBTQ men in Singapore. Interventions to address experienced homophobia and discrimination among young GBTQ men are needed urgently in Singapore.

Perception of Transgenders Regarding Voice Quality, Gender Identity, Anxiety and Avoidance

“…Antibullying and antidiscrimination laws and policies based on sexual orientation may be applied at the organizational and institutional level in workplaces and educational institutions 7 . In this study, a demographic Performa, TVQMtF, TVQFtM, was used to evaluate how transgender people see themselves, how society views them, and what their experiences are.…”

Experiences of conflict, non-acceptance and discrimination are associated with poor mental well-being amongst LGBTQ-identified individuals in Singapore

“…Although this most often took the form of verbal abuse, some respondents (especially transgender individuals) also reported experiences of threats, physical aggression and sexual attacks or harassment. LGBTQ individuals in Singapore encounter SOGI-related discrimination in a range of social spaces, including workplaces, schools and other public or private institutions (Oogachaga Counselling and Support, 2012; Sayoni, 2011, 2018, 2019; Tan et al. , 2021a; TransgenderSG et al.…”

Health and Social Inclusion: The Impact of Psychological Well-Being and Suicide Attempts Among Older Men Who Have Sex With Men

“… Tan et al (2021) reported a common pattern among MSM who commit suicide. The author suggested that these men generally lack the comprehensive ability to solve complex problems and coping skills against pressure.…”

“…MSM who disclose their sexual orientation usually experience family discord, rejection, and failure. Homosexuality is considered an important factor in adolescent suicide ( Tan et al, 2021 ). In a survey of 350 MSM teenagers aged 14 to 21, 54% of the participants had attempted suicide before disclosing their sexual orientation, 27% had attempted suicide in the year when they disclosed their sexual orientation, and 19% have attempted suicide after they disclosed it.…”

“…More awareness of this possibility when screening for depressive symptoms in primary care settings and in communities that provide aging-related services can potentially lead to the development and provision of appropriate interventions for promoting a positive mental health state and healthy participation in health care among this vulnerable and increasing population (Lyons et al, 2021;Pereira, 2022). Suicide Among MSM Tan et al (2021) reported a common pattern among MSM who commit suicide. The author suggested that these men generally lack the comprehensive ability to solve complex problems and coping skills against pressure.…”