Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer People

Like other minority groups, people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) may experience prejudice and discrimination. Research indicates that mental health problems, misuse of alcohol and other drugs, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors are more common in this group than in the general population.¹  

Risk and Protective Factors

Suicide prevention efforts seek to reduce risk factors for suicide and strengthen the factors that help strengthen individuals and protect them from suicide. Here are a few examples:

Risk factors

• Depression and other mental health problems
• Alcohol or drug use
• Stress from prejudice and discrimination (family rejection, harassment, bullying, violence)
• Feelings of social isolation

Protective factors

• Family acceptance
• Connections to friends and others who care about them
• Sense of safety

Reference

1. Haas, A. P., Eliason, M., Mays, V. M., Mathy, R. M., Cochran, S. D., D’Augelli, A. R. . . . Clayton, P. J. (2011). Suicide and suicide risk in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender populations: Review and recommendations. Journal of Homosexuality, 58(1), 10–51. 

Learn More

• See the Recommended Resources below selected by SPRC personnel.
• See All Resources Related to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender People for a full list of materials, programs, trainings, and other information available from SPRC. Use the filters on the left to narrow your results.
• For more on other groups and settings, see our Populations and Settings pages.