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

Transgend Health. 2021 Feb 15;6(1):51-56. doi: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0034. eCollection 2021 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose: We examined whether health risks among sexual minority youth (SMY) differ by gender identity (transgender, nonbinary, and cisgender). Methods: Data were collected on suicide attempts (lifetime and someday), depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and minority stress among SMY accessing crisis services. Results: 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. Conclusion: Crisis service organizations working to reduce suicidality among SMY should be sensitive to diverse experiences of gender identity.

Keywords: behavioral health; nonbinary; sexual minority youth; transgender.