Research on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People

The Trevor Project is the leading organization providing crisis support and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. In their 2024 U.S. National Survey, they reveal the experiences of over 18,000 LGBTQ+ young people across the United States.

According to the results of the survey, many LGBTQ+ young people face bullying, discrimination, and challenges in getting mental health care. These struggles are linked to a higher risk of suicide.

The survey also offers strategies for supporting LGBTQ+ youth while stressing the importance of safe and accepting communities.

Understanding the Research

The Trevor Project did a survey to learn about the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people in the U.S. The survey was checked and approved by experts to make sure it was done the right way.

From September to December 2023, they asked young people ages 13 to 24 to take the survey online. They found participants by posting ads on social media.

A total of 72,424 people started the survey, but not all were included in the final analysis. Some didn’t consent, others didn’t meet the age or identity requirements, and some responses were removed due to incomplete answers, dishonesty, or being flagged as bots.

In the end, the study analyzed responses from 18,663 LGBTQ+ young people. These were the specific findings:

Mental health and suicide risk

• 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered suicide in the past year.
  
• The risk was even higher for transgender and nonbinary youth (46%).
  
• LGBTQ+ youth of color reported higher suicide risk than White peers.
  
• 50% of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care couldn’t access it.

Bullying and its impact

• 49% of LGBTQ+ youth aged 13–17 were bullied in the past year.
  
• Those who experienced bullying had much higher rates of suicide attempts.

The importance of supportive and affirming spaces

• 54% of transgender and nonbinary youth said their schools were gender-affirming.
  
• Those in gender-affirming schools had lower rates of suicide attempts.
  
• LGBTQ+ youth living in very accepting communities were much less likely to attempt suicide.
  
• 90% of LGBTQ+ young people said their well-being was negatively affected by recent politics.

Even with these challenges, many LGBTQ+ young people have shown strength, hope, and the ability to keep going. The Trevor Project promises to continue supporting them and working toward a future where all LGBTQ+ young people feel safe and loved just as they are.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

It is clear that more must be done to make sure LGBTQ+ young people have access to mental healthcare and are protected from discrimination. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can take these small, meaningful steps:

Educate yourself and others

Understanding LGBTQ+ identities and challenges will enable you to give the right kind of support. You can read books, follow reputable LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and even seek out firsthand experiences.

Once you become informed, share your knowledge with family members, coworkers, and friends to help create a more accepting community.

Let them feel safe expressing their thoughts and emotions

As a parent, one of the most meaningful ways you can support your LGBTQ+ child is by listening with an open heart and without judgment. When they share their feelings, resist the urge to interrupt, correct, or immediately offer solutions.

They need to know that you appreciate their honesty and reassure them that their feelings are important.

Respect their privacy

If an LGBTQ+ young person confides in you, respect their privacy. Never share their identity or personal struggles without their permission. Coming out is a deeply personal decision, and it should be done on their terms.

If they ask for help or guidance, you can support them while also allowing them to make their own choices.

Help them focus on positive stories

The media and politics can sometimes be overwhelming for LGBTQ+ youth, especially when they see negative stories about discrimination.

As a parent, teacher, or caregiver, you can help balance this by introducing them to uplifting stories of LGBTQ+ individuals who are thriving and making a difference.

If you’re looking for more ways to support LGBTQ+ young people, The Trevor Project’s National Survey offers valuable insights. You may also read messages of advice and encouragement shared by LGBTQ+ youth themselves there.

Feel free to check out our full collection of mental health worksheets for kids and teens to get the support they need!