The Transgender Suicide Rate has always been a cause for alarm. You’re probably wondering, what is the transgender suicide rate, and why is the transgender suicide rate so high?
However, the latest research into the mental health of trans and non-binary youth proves what we already know:
Timely Gender-Affirming Intervention Massively Improves Outcomes for Transgender People.
How Do We Decrease The Transgender Suicide Rate?
In a study presented to the American Academy of Pediatrics, research showed a 60% decrease in moderate and severe depression who received gender-affirming care.
Additionally, there was 73% decrease in suicidality among transgender youth and non-binary youth. A fantastic feat for a community with an alarmingly high transgender suicide rate.
“Our study adds to a robust evidence-base… that access to puberty blockers and hormones is critical for ensuring the well-being of transgender and non-binary young people.”
Diana Tordoff,
University of Washington,
The study builds on existing research, which has already demonstrated:
- that transition-related regret is extremely rare
- that puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones are safe and effective, and
- that gender-affirming care improves outcomes across the board for young people.
We also know that, alongside proper medication, social support is one of the strongest predictors of positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth.
Suicidal ideation is substantially higher among trans and non-binary young people in particular but is significantly reduced with parental acceptance and peer support.
Timely and available access to care is part of this acceptance. If individual young people are supported by the healthcare system, their families and friends are supported too. This study is a serious help, as we’re sure the whole world would like the transgender suicide rate to drop.
Get Gender-Affirming Care For Young People
Unfortunately this is not always the case. In the UK, for instance, waiting times for GIDS – Gender Identity Development Service, the service that treats trans young people – can spiral into years.
“Unfortunately, multidisciplinary clinics are not accessible to all transgender and non-binary youth… we need to understand how to better serve youth who are not able to make it into a clinical environment.”
Kym Ahrens,
Associate Professor of Pediatrics,
Seattle Children’s Hospital.
What Is the Transgender Suicide Rate?
Whilst the numbers vary on a country-to-country, and year-to-year basis, here are some facts and figures surrounding suicidality for Trans and LGBT Youth:
- In the US, 52% of Trans and Non-Binary youth have sincerely considered killing themselves in 2020.
- Also In the US, 20% of Trans and Non-Binary young people attempted suicide in 2020.
- In India, 31% of Transgender people have committed suicide, whilst 50% of them have attempted suicide before the age of 20.
- In Brazil, 47.25% of Transgender participants in a study reported suicide ideation, and 27% of participants in the study have attempted suicide.
- In New Zealand, 20% of transgender students reported attempting suicide in the past 12 months as of 2022.
- The numbers among minority members of LGBT youth are stark:
- A total of 21% of African American Youth have attempted suicide.
- 31% of Native American Youth have attempted suicide.
- 18% of Latin American youth have attempted suicide.
Why Is the Transgender Suicide Rate So High?
You’re probably wondering, with the above results, why is the transgender suicide rate so high? There are many causes for the high transgender suicide rate, below are the facts associated with the high transgender suicide rate.
- 483,000 transgender people in the USA, fear retaliation and retaliation associated with their gender identity.
- There is a 14% unemployment rate for transgender individuals in the USA.
- Sexual abuse rates among transgender people are between 50% and 59% accordingly
- Physical abuse rates are between 39% and 47% in the transgender community.
- Barriers to appropriate healthcare.
- Transgender people who experienced discriminatory or interpersonal trauma were 29.9% more likely to engage in self-injurious behaviour.
- The results amongst black youth in the US, revealed 27% of African-American youth in the USA reported being physically assaulted, 15% were sexually assaulted, and 21% left school due to instances of harassment.
GenderGP Are Here To Support You
GenderGP is here for all young people and families who cannot access gender-affirming care, in the UK or abroad. Many of our patients support themselves with our services while they wait to be seen, then transfer successfully to NHS service. Whatever stage you’re at in your transition and whatever kind of support you need, our expert team can help you.
If you want to know more you can ask our team, or if you’d like to share your story, you can find us on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.