Differential Risks for Suicidality and Mental Health Symptoms Among Transgender, Nonbinary, and Cisgender Sexual Minority Youth Accessing Crisis Services

Summary

Published Date: February 15, 2021

Authors examined whether health risks among sexual minority youth (SMY) differ by gender identity (transgender, nonbinary, and cisgender). California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2015–2016 data were collected on suicide attempts (lifetime and someday), depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and minority stress among SMY accessing crisis services.

Findings: In the multivariate regression models, compared to their cisgender peers, transgender and nonbinary youth were at higher risk for suicide attempt (lifetime and someday), depression, and PTSD. Minority stress was a significant predictor for all the models. Crisis service organizations working to reduce suicidality among SMY should be sensitive to diverse experiences of gender identity.