Gay and bisexual youth are nearly 4 times more likely to attempt suicide

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth are nearly four times more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to attempt suicide over the course of a year, according to a new major study.

The study was the first of its kind to use federal survey data to break down the link between race and the mental health of LGB (which it calls “sexual minority”) youth ages 13 to 18. While sexual minority youth are consistently more likely to be at risk for suicide compared to their straight peers, the study found the prevalence of mental health issues varies among different sexes, races, and ethnic backgrounds.

In most cases, the differences can be pinned on broader socioeconomic factors that go beyond sexual orientation. Black LGB youth, for instance, were less likely to to report suicidal thoughts than white LGB youth. The researchers explain this difference by citing other studies that show black people are more likely to view suicide as negative and immoral, compared to their white counterparts.

Read more at vox.com

More about the study at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov