A new study for Just Like Us, an LGBT+ young people’s charity, has found that a majority of trans and non-binary young adults in the UK have experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings. The research surveyed 3,695 adults aged 18 to 25 and found that 88% of trans people had experienced suicidal thoughts, a far higher rate than other groups. The data also revealed that almost three-quarters of LGBT+ young adults have experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings, compared with 43% of their straight peers.
The study also revealed that LGBT+ young adults are more than twice as likely to have self-harmed than non-LGBT+ young adults. Within the LGBTQ+ community, trans and non-binary young adults were the most likely to have hurt themselves deliberately.
Amy Ashenden, the interim chief executive of Just Like Us, was not surprised by the results, given the toxic environment faced by queer youth. She stated that “It is no surprise that living in a society that often fails to support LGBT+ young people, and can even be actively anti-LGBT+, takes a toll on their mental and physical health.”
The research was conducted independently by Cibyl in January and forms part of a wider report entitled Positive Futures, which is due to be released by Just Like Us on 1 June. The in-depth report will examine the experiences of young LGBT+ adults in the UK and address topics such as wellbeing, home life, experiences in school and at work, and intersections such as faith, race, and disability.
In addition to information relating to mental health, the research found that queer young adults are more likely to drink alcohol regularly. Twenty percent of LGBT+ young adults said they drink at least two or three times per week, compared with 14% of their straight peers.
This research comes at a time when the trans community is facing increasing attacks in the UK and worldwide. The Conservative government is currently reviewing its relationships, sex, health, and education statutory guidance and is set to release guidelines specifically with regard to trans pupils in schools in the summer. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak’s government is examining whether to update the definition of “sex” under the 2010 Equality Act, to mean “biological sex”.
The changes have sparked internal conflict at the Equality and Human Rights Commission, with members admitting such a change could “diminish” trans people’s rights. As the changes are discussed, trans rights are looking set to be a key battleground at the next general election.