What helps LGBTQ+ young people feel well? An American study by the Trevor Project, published on 20 October, followed 1,689 LGBTQ+ young people aged 13 to 24 for two years. Its clearest message is that support and acceptance make a real difference.
Support from family
Young people who felt supported by their family were 45% less likely to have thoughts of suicide and 42% less likely to self-harm. The good news is that more of them have that kind of home: the share living in an accepting home rose from 53% to 61% in two years.
Being able to be yourself
Gender euphoria also turned out to be strongly protective. It is the positive feeling of living in line with your own gender identity. Young people who experienced it were half as likely to have suicidal thoughts and 49% less likely to be depressed.
Care that helps
The young people found their mental health care more and more helpful: 64% at the start, 91% two years later. Even so, almost a third of those with suicidal thoughts had never looked for help.
What weighs heavily
Anxiety and depression rose over the two years. The researchers link this to discrimination, losing a home and pressure to change who you are. Young people who had been threatened with or subjected to conversion therapy were almost three times as likely to have thoughts of suicide. Conversion therapy refers to attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The study shows links and cannot prove cause and effect. It took place in the United States, during a period of intense political debate about LGBTQ+ rights.
And in Belgium?
In Belgium, Parliament approved a ban on conversion therapy in 2023. Carrying out or promoting these practices is punishable. The American figures show why that matters, and above all how much acceptance at home and good care can mean.
Need to talk to someone?
If you are having thoughts of suicide, or you are worried about someone, you can call the suicide prevention line free of charge: 1813 in Dutch, day and night, or 0800 32 123 in French. In an emergency, call 112.