by Rev. Lisa Morrison, Member RRUMC
As I was preparing for this month's article on behalf of the LGBTQA+ Support Group, I knew I wanted to see what The Trevor Project had to say, so I visited their website. On their landing page was a banner instructing me that if I needed to exit their site quickly, I could do so by pressing the "escape button" three times. I shuttered. And then I cried.
I am a straight woman who will never know the stigmas, mental health challenges, trauma and dangers of being gay. Yet I have sat with and loved countless individuals who know all of it and more all too well. Suddenly, I realized that this month's topic wasn't just some nice idea - it's actually crucially vital and could save someone's life. We live in a world where LGBTQ+ youth experience physical and mental health challenges at an alarming rate. While sexual orientation and gender identity do not inherently raise risk of suicide ideation or attempt, the ways that LGBTQ+ folks are stigmatized or treated lead to increased rates.
The Trevor Project was founded to bring mental health resources including suicide prevention resources to LGBTQ+ youth. They provide counseling free of charge 24/7 and have expanded services significantly offering comprehensive support and educational opportunities to LGBTQ+ youth as well as families and allies.
According to The Trevor Project’s analysis of data from the CDC, almost half (48%) of bisexual young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, and 27% attempted suicide. Among gay or lesbian youth, 37% seriously considered suicide and 19% attempted. And among straight youth, 14% seriously considered suicide and 6% attempted suicide. More detailed information around these statistics including understanding the framework of intersectionality can be found on their website. While this information can seem overwhelming (and it is), adults who are supportive can make a life-lasting difference. Studies show that having an adult in your life who accepts you can reduce the risk of suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth by 40%! LGBTQ+ youth who felt high social support from their families report attempting suicide at less than half the rate. Having communities where young people are supported results in lower suicide rates and better reported mental health. The Trevor Project has guides for family members and others to be educated on how we can be most supportive.
The LGBTQA+ Support Group at RRUMC meets on the fourth Thursday and alternates in-person in the choir room and a Zoom session. Contact Mark Brandt at 216.288.2266 or Rev. Laurie Bruce 479.595.9229 for more info.