A recent study published in the journal Nature Human Behavior by the Trevor Project has revealed alarming findings about the mental health impacts of anti-transgender policies on transgender and nonbinary youth. The peer-reviewed research indicates that the enactment of laws aimed at restricting the rights of transgender individuals correlates with a dramatic rise in suicide attempts among youth aged 13 to 17.
The study found that in states with anti-transgender laws—such as bathroom bans that prevent transgender students from using facilities that match their gender identity—suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary youth surged from 7% to a staggering 72%. Researchers compared the suicide-related outcomes in states that enacted such laws to those without and accounted for various external factors, including pre-existing suicide rates and national suicide prevention efforts.
This study is the first to establish what the researchers describe as a causal relationship between anti-transgender policies and elevated suicide attempt rates among youth. Utilizing data collected from the Trevor Project’s national survey on LGBTQ+ youth mental health between 2018 and 2022, the research incorporated responses from over 61,000 individuals aged 13 to 24. The negative effects of these anti-trans policies were observed almost immediately after their implementation and were significantly more pronounced among minors compared to adults.
According to researcher Nath, one reason for this disparity may be that adults generally have better access to LGBTQ+-affirming spaces. “Many state-level anti-transgender laws are targeting minors under the age of 18, limiting their ability to access gender-affirming care and participate in school activities and sports aligned with their gender,” Nath explained.
Interestingly, the researchers found no connection between proposed anti-trans policies that were never enacted and suicide attempts, highlighting the need for further investigation into the repercussions of such measures.
Nath emphasized the urgency of implementing protective policies to support transgender and nonbinary youth, urging lawmakers to prioritize the health and safety of young people over political gain. “I would just urge all lawmakers to stop risking the health and safety of young people in hopes of scoring political points,” he stated.
For individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating suicide, resources are available. Call or text 988 for support, and in emergencies, dial 911 or seek immediate assistance from a local hospital or mental health provider.