Suicide and Suicide Risk in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations: Review and Recommendations

Abstract

Despite strong indications of elevated risk of suicidal behavior in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, limited attention has been given to research, interventions or suicide prevention programs targeting these populations. This article is a culmination of a three-year effort by an expert panel to address the need for better understanding of suicidal behavior and suicide risk in sexual minority populations, and stimulate the development of needed prevention strategies, interventions and policy changes. This article summarizes existing research findings, and makes recommendations for addressing knowledge gaps and applying current knowledge to relevant areas of suicide prevention practice.

Suicidality and sexual orientation among men in Switzerland: Findings from 3 probability surveys

“…Both fatal and non-fatal suicidality appear to be more pronounced among gay/bisexual men than women (Haas et al, 2011). Although suicidality among sexual minorities also appears to be especially elevated during adolescence (Russell and Toomey, 2010), prevalences of lifetime suicidality remain high among sexual minority adults whereas they fall among general population adults.…”

“…Reviews of studies examining suicidality among sexual minorities point out discrepancies by country/region, sex, and age group (Russell and Toomey, 2010;Haas et al, 2011), albeit with some noteworthy distinctions. Both fatal and non-fatal suicidality appear to be more pronounced among gay/bisexual men than women (Haas et al, 2011).…”

Advancing health equity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people through sexual health education and LGBT-affirming health care environments

“…For example, in addition to learning about disparities pertaining to sexual health (e.g. the increased burden of STIs, including HIV, among MSM 38 ), students may grow to appreciate the differential burdens of depression, eating disorders, substance use disorders and homelessness in LGBT populations, [39][40][41][42] and understand the relationship between these disparities and the stigma LGBT communities experience.…”

The Role of Gender Affirmation in Psychological Well-Being Among Transgender Women

“…Due to their gender identity or expression, transgender people experience high levels of gender-based social oppression, or transphobia, including everyday discrimination, family rejection, and hate crimes (Bazargan & Galvan, 2012;Bradford, Reisner, Honnold, & Xavier, 2012;Koken, Bimbi, & Parsons, 2009;Lombardi, Wilchins, Priesing, & Malouf, 2002;Nuttbrock et al, 2010). Scholars have proposed that adverse mental health outcomes in transgender populations are a result of this gender-specific social oppression (Bockting, Miner, Swinburne Romine, Hamilton, & Coleman, 2013;Goldblum et al, 2012;Haas et al, 2010;Nuttbrock et al, 2013;Reisner, Gamarel, Dunham, Hopwood, & Hwahng, 2013). Additionally, the traditional sexism and denigration against women and individuals demonstrating characteristics deemed feminine (i.e.…”