Nearly half of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in past year, survey finds

Nearly half of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, according to a survey from the Trevor Project.

The Trevor Project, an organization that provides crisis support for LGBTQ youth, published its annual survey this week. The survey found rising rates of suicidal thoughts, as well as significant disparities among trans youth and LGBTQ youth of color.

“The Trevor Project’s research demonstrates that suicidal thoughts have trended upward among LGBTQ young people over the last three years, making our life-saving work all the more important,” Amit Paley, CEO and executive director of the organization said in a Wednesday press release. “The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and relentless political attacks during this time period cannot be understated.”

This year, laws targeting LGBTQ youth have emerged across the country. In March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed what opponents have called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. And last month, Alabama‘s state legislature voted to ban gender-affirming medical care for trans youth.

According to the survey, 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Additionally, nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide.