A groundbreaking study conducted by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law has unveiled a deeply concerning discrepancy in the rates of suicidal ideation between transgender and cisgender adults. The research, published in the journal Psychiatry Research, utilized data from the U.S. Transgender Population Health Survey (TransPop) and found that a staggering 81% of transgender adults had contemplated suicide, a figure alarmingly higher than the 35% reported by cisgender adults.
The comprehensive study, the first of its kind, not only delved into suicidal tendencies but also explored the prevalence of serious drug use and psychological distress among both trans and cis individuals. The results revealed that 42% of trans adults had attempted suicide, a stark contrast to the 11% of cis adults who reported the same experience. Furthermore, 56% of trans adults engaged in non-suicidal self-injury, compared to just 12% of cis adults.
One striking revelation was that trans individuals consistently reported poorer mental health across their lifetimes compared to cis individuals. Nonetheless, 82% of trans adults disclosed seeking mental health treatment at some point, while only 47% of cis adults had done so.
Trans nonbinary adults emerged as particularly vulnerable in the study, reporting the highest rates of substance use. For instance, 45% of trans nonbinary individuals admitted to hazardous drinking, in contrast to 17% of trans women and 25% of trans men. Similarly, 42% of trans nonbinary individuals reported problematic drug use, compared to 33% of trans women and 18% of trans men.
The findings have raised concerns among mental health experts and LGBTQ+ organizations, as they shed light on the urgent need for societal recognition and acceptance of gender identities beyond the binary of cisgender man or woman. Ilan H. Meyer, one of the study’s authors, attributes the high rates of substance use and suicidality among transgender people to the heightened stigma, prejudice, and minority stress they face in today’s politically charged climate.
Regrettably, the study’s conclusions echo those of The Trevor Project’s May 2023 study, which revealed the adverse impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation on queer youth’s mental health. The study reported that 66% of queer youth had experienced negative effects on their mental well-being, with 41% seriously considering suicide within the past year. Trans, nonbinary, and people of color among the respondents exhibited higher rates of suicidal ideation, anxiety, and depression compared to their cisgender peers.
Moreover, trans and nonbinary young people faced a distressing reality, with 64% experiencing discrimination due to their gender identity, and 27% reporting physical threats or harm within the past year.
As these revelations come to the fore, it becomes evident that much more work needs to be done to protect the mental health and well-being of the transgender community. Increased support, understanding, and acceptance can pave the way for a more inclusive and empathetic society that stands against the tide of discrimination and promotes the health and happiness of all its members.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The Trans Lifeline (1-877-565-8860) is staffed by trans people and will not contact law enforcement. The Trevor Project provides a safe, judgment-free place to talk for youth via chat, text (678-678), or phone (1-866-488-7386). Help is available at all three resources in English and Spanish.
