Extent of the Problem Related To Suicide in the LGBTQ Essay Example
Individuals who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender face significant psychological, social, and physical distress in a society that only accepts heterosexual sexual orientation. The LGBTQ community experiences stigma and discrimination which can lead to harmful behaviors including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Tragically, these behaviors often progress to suicidal thoughts, attempts, and fatalities among LGBTQ individuals.
Unfortunately, the LGBTQ youth is disproportionately affected within the community. The number of young people who take their own lives due to the challenges they face as LGBT individuals is increasing compared to adults. However, many organizations focused on preventing suicide have directed their resources toward supporting the LGBTQ community. Their goal is to create a strong support system that reduces health obstacles and improves quality of life.
Statistics
According to th
...e Suicide Prevention Resource Centre (2008), more than 800,000 people commit suicide each year. Specifically, in the United States alone, 32,000 individuals take their own lives annually. Suicide has now become the third leading cause of death for those aged 15-24 years old, with over 4,000 young people committing suicide every year.
Hass, Herman & Rodgers (2014) state that young people experience stigma and discrimination in various environments such as school, work, and home, which makes them particularly vulnerable to suicide. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (2008) discovered that individuals aged 18-44 had a 45% rate of attempted suicide compared to only 33% among those aged 55-64. However, there is growing worry about the increased risk of suicide among older LGBTQ individuals due to ongoing persecution and legal condemnation. Additionally, the elderly often have concerns about relying on others for support and care and are anxious about potentia
discrimination within elder care facilities. This concern is especially relevant as many do not have children available to provide assistance at home.
Regional Statistics
A study conducted by Rainbow Health Ontario in 2013 involved 350 LGB participants from New Zealand, Canada, and the US. The findings showed that 40% of young people had thought about ending their own lives, with 30% having actually tried to do so. Additionally, the research revealed that males accounted for 65% of suicide attempts related to sexual orientation, while females made up 45%. It is important to note that most suicidal behaviors occur before individuals publicly disclose their sexual orientation. Another comprehensive study carried out among US students indicated that 30% of lesbian or gay students and 40% of bisexuals had contemplated suicide.
According to Rainbow Health Ontario (2013), sexually inactive gay men in Calgary, Canada had a high risk for depression and suicidal thoughts, with 15.5% attempting fatal suicide. Comparatively, bisexual and gay men who were sexually active had a higher risk of 5.4% and 3.1% respectively, while straight peers had no risk.
In Ontario, transgender individuals aged 16-24 exhibited suicidal behaviors and considered suicide at some point at a rate of 47%, with 19% attempting suicide. Transgender youth have three times the likelihood of adults to attempt suicide.
In New York City, the transgender population seriously considered suicide at a rate of 45%, while during adolescence, 15% of transgender women admitted to attempting suicide.
Similarly, in San Francisco participants under the age of 25 had an attempted suicide rate of 47% (Rainbow Health Ontario, 2013).
National statistics
According to Hass, Herman & Rodgers (2013), findings from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey indicate that the transgender
population experiences varying levels of suicidal tendencies depending on who they disclose their news to. Graph 1.0 displays the rates of LGBTQ suicidal attempts after revealing their sexual orientation. Studies suggest that factors such as family rejection, peer discrimination, and victimization or violence contribute to higher suicide rates among LGBTQ respondents.
Cognitive, Behavioral and Psychological problems in the LGBTQ community
The treatment of LGBTQ individuals by heterosexual peers significantly impacts their behavior and overall well-being. When exposed to discrimination and abuse, members of the LGBT community may develop thoughts of suicide.
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (2008), suicidal ideation refers to thoughts of engaging in various suicidal behaviors, including suicide and detailed plans for committing it. These thoughts are considered indicators of suicide risk, as many individuals who think about suicide eventually attempt it and often die from it. Suicidal thoughts have become more prevalent than actual attempts or deaths by suicide. Recognizing these thoughts provides an opportunity for intervention before serious suicide-related behavior develops. LGBTQ individuals experience suicidal thoughts and attempts due to psychological and cognitive challenges resulting from various risks and protective factors.
Social Environment
The LGBTQ community faces discrimination, along with widespread heterosexual attitudes and gender bias. As a result, issues such as family rejection, isolation, and limited access to healthcare have become prominent concerns for LGBTQ individuals.
According to the Suicide Prevention and Resource Center (2008), prejudice and discrimination in the United States are prevalent, supported by religious, societal, and governmental institutions. The LGBT community faces violence and negative reactions because of their sexual orientation. The social framework for the LGBTQ community connects sociological stigmatization with psychological prejudice, as described by the Suicide Prevention
Resource Center (2008). Stigmatization causes society to ignore and discredit homosexuals. Moreover, discriminatory laws reinforce stigma instead of protecting sexual minorities or enacting laws against employment and service discrimination towards the LGBTQ community. Additionally, religious denominations continue to view homosexuality as a sinful act and contribute to marginalizing the LGBTQ community.
From a psychological perspective, LGBTQ individuals often face significant levels of stress in their social environment. This high level of stress increases their vulnerability to issues like drug abuse, depression, and overall mental and general health problems. Unfortunately, these challenges frequently hinder members of the LGBTQ community from living a fulfilling and productive life. Consequently, they may lose interest in life and potentially develop suicidal thoughts that can ultimately lead to death.
Family Support
An important factor that contributes to the risk of suicide is the dynamics within a family, including lack of support, rejection, and conflict. When an LGBTQ individual lives in a family that disregards or rejects their homosexuality, they often experience psychological, verbal, and sometimes even physical attacks. Coming out to family members often results in experiencing rejection from their families. At this crucial stage, Rainbow Ontario Health (2013) suggests that most LGBT individuals fear coming out because they are likely to face familial rejection which could result in emotional abuse.
Many LGBTQ individuals develop suicide-related behaviors, including attempts and deaths. However, some family members may choose to accept their sexual identity and provide support, which helps protect them against suicidal deaths.
Ethnicity
The Suicide Prevention and Suicide Center (2008) reports that suicide rates are influenced by various ethnic and cultural values. This is due to these groups being less accepting and supportive of individuals who do
not conform to traditional gender roles. As a result, LGBTQ people, especially young individuals from these cultural backgrounds, are at a higher risk of experiencing depression and contemplating suicide.
Peers Group
The influence of peer groups on the higher suicide rates among LGBT individuals, particularly impacting LGBT youth in various settings such as school, work, and home, is significant. These peer groups often subject them to verbal abuse, bullying, physical attacks, and harassment due to heterosexism. To illustrate this point further, in educational institutions, activities may be denied solely based on their sexual orientation.
Despite the growing knowledge about LGBTQ suicide rates, young individuals continue to struggle with interacting with these individuals and may resort to ending their own lives. However, promoting intervention strategies that emphasize the worth of life within the LGBTQ community can reverse this situation. The Suicide Prevention Resource Centre offers a range of programs aimed at preventing suicide, including initiatives that increase awareness of LGBTQ issues in educational institutions and workplaces. These programs educate people about the deadly outcomes of their attitudes and behaviors towards LGBT individuals.
It is crucial to inform the families of LGBT individuals about the significance of their support in valuing their lives and denouncing suicide. Multiple initiatives are necessary to preserve the lives of LGBTQ people. Failing to address the everyday challenges faced by LGBTQ individuals through appropriate intervention strategies will lead to more lives being lost. To establish protective factors, both governmental and religious institutions must play a significant role in influencing public perception towards the LGBTQ community.
References
- Hass, A. P, Rodgers, P. L & Herman, J. L. (2014) Suicide Attempts among Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Adults. American
Foundation for Suicide preventions. Available at http://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/AFSP-Williams-Suicide-Report-Final.pdf
The text mentions a publication called "Suicide risk and prevention for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth," published in 2008 by the Education Development Center, Inc. The publication can be found at http://www.sprc.org/library/SPRC_LGBT_Youth.pdf. Additionally, Rainbow Health Ontario is referenced.The source "LGBT Youth Suicide" from 2013 was accessed on August 5, 2016. It can be retrieved by following the link here.
