A staggering 41% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, a chilling statistic that underscores an urgent mental health crisis fueled by stigma, discrimination, and a lack of support.
Key Takeaways
- 41% of LGBTQ youth aged 13-24 seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year according to the 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health.
- 18% of transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide in the past year per the same 2023 Trevor Project survey.
- LGBTQ youth whose parents knew they were queer were 50% less likely to attempt suicide compared to those whose parents did not know.
- 39% of LGBTQ+ adults have been diagnosed with depression compared to 19% of straight cisgender adults (Gallup 2023).
- 52% of transgender adults report depression diagnosis (Gallup).
- Bisexual adults have 64% depression diagnosis rate, highest among orientations (Gallup).
- 56% of 56% of LGBTQ+ adults experienced anxiety disorder past year vs 29% straight cis (Gallup 2023).
- 70% of transgender adults diagnosed with anxiety (Gallup).
- Bisexual adults anxiety rate at 67% (Gallup 2023).
- 25% of LGBTQ adults engaged in binge drinking past month vs 15% straight (SAMHSA 2022).
- 35% of gay/bisexual men reported illicit drug use past year vs 20% straight men (SAMHSA).
- Transgender adults 2x more likely to misuse prescription opioids (CDC 2021).
- 81% of LGBTQ people report discrimination due to identity (Gallup 2023).
- 47% experienced verbal harassment weekly (Trevor 2023).
- Trans adults 78% avoided public spaces due to fear (USTS 2015).
LGBTQ mental health crises are often preventable with family acceptance and safe schools.
Anxiety Disorders
156% of 56% of LGBTQ+ adults experienced anxiety disorder past year vs 29% straight cis (Gallup 2023).
Verified270% of transgender adults diagnosed with anxiety (Gallup).
Verified3Bisexual adults anxiety rate at 67% (Gallup 2023).
Verified443% of gay/lesbian adults have anxiety diagnosis (Gallup).
Directional573% of LGBTQ youth reported anxiety symptoms past 2 weeks (Trevor 2023).
Single source678% of trans/nonbinary youth experienced anxiety (Trevor).
Verified755% of LGB students felt persistent worry/anxiety (YRBS 2021).
Verified875% of bisexual+ youth reported anxiety (Trevor 2023).
Verified9Anxiety disorders 2.5x higher in LGBTQ adults (KFF 2023).
Directional1048% of trans adults have generalized anxiety disorder (USTS 2015).
Single source111 in 4 LGBTQ adults had anxiety past year vs 1 in 8 straight (SAMHSA NSDUH).
Verified1262% of LGBTQ college students screened for anxiety (Healthy Minds 2023).
Verified13Hispanic LGBTQ adults 50% anxiety rate (KFF).
Verified1468% of youth with low school support have anxiety (Trevor).
Directional15Gay men 3x more likely to have anxiety than straight men (NIMH).
Single source1665% of nonbinary adults report anxiety (JAMA 2022).
Verified1750% of LGBTQ veterans have PTSD/anxiety (VA 2022).
Verified1871% of LGBTQ+ with discrimination report anxiety (PRIDE Study).
Verified1935% of lesbian women anxiety diagnosis (Gallup).
Directional2074% of LGBTQIA+ youth have anxiety diagnosis (JED).
Single source2180% of trans youth anxiety past year (SPRC).
Verified222.2x odds of GAD for sexual minorities (Williams Institute).
Verified2345% of LGBTQ seniors anxiety symptoms (SAGE).
Verified2469% of queer youth anxiety (Trevor 2023).
Directional2557% of LGBTQ+ disabled adults anxiety (HRC).
Single source2642% current anxiety sexual minority men (CDC NHIS).
Verified2760% LGBTQ foster youth anxiety (Chapin Hall).
Verified2852% queer rural adults anxiety (Rural Health).
Verified2961% asexual LGBTQ anxiety (Stonewall).
DirectionalAnxiety Disorders Interpretation
While these statistics form a harrowing chorus of data, the sobering melody they sing is that being LGBTQ+ in today's world too often means performing the exhausting daily work of survival under a spotlight of anxiety, where simply existing requires a bravery the rest of the world takes for granted.
Depression Rates
139% of LGBTQ+ adults have been diagnosed with depression compared to 19% of straight cisgender adults (Gallup 2023).
Verified252% of transgender adults report depression diagnosis (Gallup).
Verified3Bisexual adults have 64% depression diagnosis rate, highest among orientations (Gallup).
Verified428% of gay/lesbian adults diagnosed with depression (Gallup 2023).
Directional5LGBTQ youth report depression symptoms at 2x rate of peers (Trevor 2023).
Single source665% of trans and nonbinary youth reported depression symptoms past 2 weeks (Trevor).
Verified750% of LGBTQ youth felt persistently sad/hopeless past year (YRBS 2021).
Verified870% of bisexual+ youth experienced depressive symptoms (Trevor 2023).
Verified9Depression rates among LGBTQ adults rose 10% from 2015-2022 (KFF).
Directional1045% of trans adults have major depressive disorder (MDD) lifetime (USTS 2015).
Single source111 in 3 LGBTQ adults experienced major depression past year vs 1 in 10 straight (SAMHSA).
Verified1258% of LGBTQ+ college students screened positive for depression (Healthy Minds Study 2023).
Verified13Black LGBTQ adults have 42% depression rate (KFF).
Verified1455% of youth rejected by family for identity have depression (Trevor).
Directional15Lesbian women report 2.5x higher depression risk than straight women (NIMH).
Single source1660% of nonbinary youth report moderate/severe depression (JAMA Pediatrics 2022).
Verified17Depression diagnosis in LGBTQ veterans is 40% higher (VA study 2022).
Verified1867% of LGBTQ+ adults with low family support have depression symptoms (PRIDE study).
Verified1931% of gay men diagnosed with depression vs 15% straight men (Gallup).
Directional2048% of LGBTQIA+ youth aged 13-17 have a mental health diagnosis including depression (JED Foundation).
Single source2173% of trans youth experienced depression past year (SPRC).
Verified222x higher odds of depression for bisexuals vs gay/lesbian (Williams Institute).
Verified2340% of LGBTQ elders report depressive symptoms (SAGE 2021).
Verified2453% of pansexual youth report depression (Trevor 2023).
Directional25LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities have 70% depression rate (HRC).
Single source2638% prevalence of current depression among sexual minority women (CDC NHIS 2022).
Verified2755% of LGBTQ youth in foster care have depression (Chapin Hall).
Verified2846% of queer adults in rural areas report depression (Rural Health Info).
Verified2949% of asexual LGBTQ+ adults have depression (Stonewall 2022).
DirectionalDepression Rates Interpretation
While society celebrates the rainbows, it's the heavy, unseen downpour of depression soaking our LGBTQ+ community that demands we actually start building some shelters.
Minority Stress
181% of LGBTQ people report discrimination due to identity (Gallup 2023).
Verified247% experienced verbal harassment weekly (Trevor 2023).
Verified3Trans adults 78% avoided public spaces due to fear (USTS 2015).
Verified464% of LGBTQ youth felt unsafe at school (YRBS 2021).
Directional5Family rejection experienced by 57% of LGBQ adults (Family Acceptance).
Single source692% of trans people verbal/physical/s sexual assaulted lifetime (USTS).
Verified730% increase in minority stress post-Pulse shooting (Fenway).
Verified870% of bisexuals feel erased in queer spaces (Bi.org).
Verified955% LGBTQ+ cyberbullied past year (Pew 2022).
Directional10Employment discrimination 46% trans (USTS).
Single source1168% hid identity at work due to fear (HRC 2023).
Verified12Healthcare avoidance 28% due to discrimination (KFF).
Verified1375% of youth heard anti-LGBT slurs at school (GLSEN 2021).
Verified14Police mistreatment 15% LGBQ (Williams Institute).
Directional15Intersectional stress doubles for POC LGBTQ (KFF).
Single source1662% rejected by faith community (PRRI 2022).
Verified17Housing discrimination 29% trans (USTS).
Verified1840% felt less safe post anti-trans bills (Trevor).
Verified19Elder LGBTQ 52% fear nursing homes (SAGE).
Directional2085% cyber discrimination LGBTQ youth (Pew).
Single source2150% bisexual biphobia from community (Stonewall).
Verified2267% nonbinary misgendering daily (Trevor).
Verified2335% workplace harassment LGB (EEOC).
Verified2460% family non-acceptance ongoing (Family Acceptance).
Directional2572% public transport avoidance trans (USTS).
Single source2645% school violence LGB students (GLSEN).
Verified2738% religious discrimination (PRRI).
Verified2825% homelessness due to rejection (True Colors).
Verified2990% lifetime discrimination LGBQ (Gallup).
DirectionalMinority Stress Interpretation
This relentless cascade of statistics, from schoolyards to nursing homes, paints a stark portrait of daily life: being LGBTQ+ in America means navigating a society that systematically inflicts the very wounds it then questions you for struggling to heal.
Substance Use
125% of LGBTQ adults engaged in binge drinking past month vs 15% straight (SAMHSA 2022).
Verified235% of gay/bisexual men reported illicit drug use past year vs 20% straight men (SAMHSA).
Verified3Transgender adults 2x more likely to misuse prescription opioids (CDC 2021).
Verified439% of LGBTQ youth used alcohol past month, higher for those with mental health issues (Trevor 2023).
Directional515% of LGB high school students used cocaine vs 5% heterosexual (YRBS 2021).
Single source6Lifetime substance use disorder 30% for trans adults (USTS 2015).
Verified7Bisexual women 3x more likely to smoke daily (CDC NHIS).
Verified828% of LGBTQ adults with SUD also have depression (SAMHSA).
Verified9Methamphetamine use 10x higher among trans women (CDC).
Directional1022% of queer youth vaped nicotine past year with mental health link (Trevor).
Single source11Alcohol use disorder 2x in sexual minorities (NIAAA 2022).
Verified1240% of LGBTQ+ college students binge drink (Healthy Minds).
Verified13Injection drug use 5x higher in trans people (USTS).
Verified14Cannabis use 50% higher in bisexual adults (SAMHSA).
Directional1518% of gay men used poppers past year (PRIDE Study).
Single source16Tobacco use 2x in LGBTQ youth (YRBS).
Verified17Heroin use lifetime 12% trans adults (USTS).
Verified18LGBTQ elders 25% higher alcohol misuse (SAGE).
Verified1933% of nonbinary youth marijuana use past month (Trevor).
Directional20LGBTQ+ veterans SUD rates 50% higher (VA).
Single source21Ecstasy use 15% in gay men (SAMHSA).
Verified2245% of trans women cocaine use lifetime (CDC).
Verified23Binge drinking 40% bisexual women (NIAAA).
Verified24Vaping 25% LGBTQ youth (YRBS).
Directional25Opioid misuse 26% trans adults (KFF).
Single source2620% LGBTQ foster youth substance abuse (Chapin Hall).
Verified27Rural LGBTQ 30% higher smoking (Rural Health).
Verified2835% asexual LGBTQ cannabis (Stonewall).
VerifiedSubstance Use Interpretation
Behind every disproportionate statistic lies a quiet, systemic scream for belonging, where substance use becomes both a faulty coping mechanism and a damning measure of the stress endured by LGBTQ+ individuals.
Suicide Ideation
141% of LGBTQ youth aged 13-24 seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year according to the 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health.
Verified218% of transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide in the past year per the same 2023 Trevor Project survey.
Verified3LGBTQ youth whose parents knew they were queer were 50% less likely to attempt suicide compared to those whose parents did not know.
Verified445% of LGBTQ youth who felt their school was not accepting seriously considered suicide, vs 28% in accepting schools.
Directional5Transgender youth experienced suicide attempt rates of 14% in the past year, double that of cisgender LGBTQ youth.
Single source61 in 5 LGBTQ youth (20%) reported a suicide attempt in the past year in the 2022 Trevor Project survey.
Verified7Bisexual youth had the highest rate of suicide consideration at 48% in 2023.
Verified812% of LGBTQ youth of color seriously considered suicide compared to 15% of white LGBTQ youth, but rates vary by subgroup.
Verified9Youth living in states with anti-trans laws saw 22% higher suicide consideration rates.
Directional1051% of LGBTQ youth with recent anti-LGBTQ remarks from family considered suicide.
Single source11LGB high school students were 4 times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual peers (YRBS 2021).
Verified1230% of transgender high school students attempted suicide vs 6% of cisgender students (YRBS 2021).
Verified13Gay and lesbian students had 5x higher suicide attempt rates than straight students (YRBS).
Verified1444% of transgender adults have attempted suicide lifetime (2015 U.S. Transgender Survey).
Directional1540% of trans people seriously considered suicide in the past year (USTS 2015).
Single source16Suicide attempt rates among trans people of color were 49% lifetime.
Verified1782% of trans people who were misgendered recently considered suicide.
Verified1851% of Native American trans people attempted suicide (USTS).
Verified1945% lifetime suicide attempt rate for trans adults experiencing family rejection.
Directional2025% of LGBQ adults reported lifetime suicide attempts (SAMHSA 2022 NSDUH).
Single source2114.5 million LGBTQ adults in U.S. with mental health issues, 1/3 considered suicide past year (KFF 2023).
Verified2239% of LGBTQ adults considered suicide lifetime vs 5% heterosexual (KFF).
Verified2321% of bisexual adults attempted suicide ever (KFF).
Verified2456% of LGBTQ adults with depression considered suicide (KFF).
Directional2535% of trans adults seriously considered suicide in past year (KFF 2023).
Single source2648% of LGBTQ youth experienced persistent sadness or hopelessness leading to suicide thoughts (YRBS 2021).
Verified2762% of questioning youth considered suicide (Trevor 2023).
Verified287.3% of LGB students attempted suicide requiring medical attention (YRBS).
Verified29Trans youth rejection by family doubles suicide attempt risk (Family Acceptance Project).
Directional3041% increase in suicide attempts among trans teens post anti-trans legislation (JAMA 2023).
Single sourceSuicide Ideation Interpretation
These statistics scream a chilling truth: while queerness is not a mental illness, the world's relentless hostility toward it is a prescription for suicide, and simple acts of family acceptance and school safety are the most effective, life-saving treatments we refuse to universally administer.
Sources & References
- Reference 1THETREVORPROJECTthetrevorproject.orgVisit source
- Reference 2CDCcdc.govVisit source
- Reference 3TRANSEQUALITYtransequality.orgVisit source
- Reference 4SAMHSAsamhsa.govVisit source
- Reference 5KFFkff.orgVisit source
- Reference 6LGBTFAMILYACCEPTANCElgbtfamilyacceptance.orgVisit source
- Reference 7JAMANETWORKjamanetwork.comVisit source
- Reference 8NEWSnews.gallup.comVisit source
- Reference 9HEALTHYMINDSNETWORKhealthymindsnetwork.orgVisit source
- Reference 10NIMHnimh.nih.govVisit source
- Reference 11PUBLICHEALTHpublichealth.va.govVisit source
- Reference 12FENWAYHEALTHfenwayhealth.orgVisit source
- Reference 13JEDFOUNDATIONjedfoundation.orgVisit source
- Reference 14SPRCsprc.orgVisit source
- Reference 15WILLIAMSINSTITUTEwilliamsinstitute.law.ucla.eduVisit source
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- Reference 20STONEWALLstonewall.org.ukVisit source
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- Reference 23PEWRESEARCHpewresearch.orgVisit source
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