Suicide Risk among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Military Personnel and Veterans: What Does the Literature Tell Us?

Abstract

Research suggests that both the military and veteran and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations may be at increased risk for suicide. A literature review was conducted to identify research related to suicide risk in the LGBT military and veteran populations. Despite the paucity of research directly addressing this issue, themes are discussed evident in the literature on LGBT identity and suicide risk as well as LGBT military service members and veterans. Factors such as social support and victimization appear to be particularly relevant. Suggestions are made with respect to future research that is needed on this very important and timely topic.

The Association between Perceived Discrimination and Suicide among Homosexuals: The Role of Self-Esteem as Mediator

“…Results have indicated that homosexuals who perceived discrimination tend to experience higher suicidal ideation. This is consistent with previous findings, indicating alienation and interpersonal rejection due to one's sexual orientation as fuel to suicide vulnerability (Gomez et al, 2011;Hong, Espelage, & Kral, 2011;Matarazzo et al, 2014). The association between perceived discrimination and suicidal ideation may also be explained by the elevation of emotional distress, as these individuals have to deal with stressors related to a stigmatized identity, which is then linked to suicidal ideation (Rosario, Schrimshaw, & Hunter, 2005).…”

“…Schmitt, Branscombe, Postmes, and Garcia (2014) also pointed to discrimination as the bottom line for the harmful effects on the psychological well-being of homosexuals. This is further supported by different studies describing discrimination as a burden of suicidality among homo-sexuals (Kohlbrenner, Deuba, Karki, & Marrone, 2016;Matarazzo et al, 2014). Among all countries, the United States has the most advanced and well-developed…”

The Role of Perceived Burden and Social Support in Suicide and Depression

“…Nasser and Overholser () found that social support promoted recovery from depression among psychiatric inpatients. Social support was linked with reduced suicide risk in veterans who were identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (Matarazzo et al., ); in individuals diagnosed with mood disorders (Isometsä, ); and in veterans diagnosed with severe mental illness (Montross Thomas et al., ). Further, DeBeer, Kimbrel, Meyer, Gulliver, and Morissette () highlighted the importance of assessing social support in military veterans, as social support reduced the effect of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms on suicide ideation.…”

“Now that we can ask and tell: The social movement legacy of the DADT repeal”

“…For those who wish to serve, have served, or are currently serving, the repeal has the potential to improve quality of life; the secrecy that LGBT soldiers endured under DADT enabled untold amounts of blackmailing, harassment, and sexual violence (Cochran, Balsam, Flentje, Malte, & Simpson, ; Moradi, ; Pelts, Rolbiecki, & Albright, ; Ramirez et al, ) and put LGB personnel and veterans at higher risk for self‐harm and suicide (Matarazzo et al, ). The possibility of open service severely curtails the power of outing threats.…”