TL;DR
- Survey shows trans youth denied hormones face higher suicide risk.
- 15% of those denied hormones reported suicide attempts.
- 87% of trans youth on hormones fear losing access to care.
- Political debates negatively affect mental health of LGBTQ+ youth.
- Major medical organizations support gender-affirming care.
In a shocking new survey released by The Trevor Project, the mental health crisis facing transgender and nonbinary youth has been laid bare. The findings reveal that young people who are denied access to hormone therapy are nearly twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers who are receiving the care they need. This alarming statistic is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding the profound impact that access to gender-affirming healthcare has on the mental well-being of trans youth.
The survey, which gathered responses from over 10,000 trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer individuals, found that 15% of those denied hormone therapy reported a suicide attempt in the past year, a stark contrast to the 8% of those who are able to access treatment. This data underscores the urgent need for policy changes that prioritize the mental health and well-being of trans youth.
Among the respondents aged 13 to 17, a mere 10% reported currently taking hormones, while only 3% were using puberty blockers. These figures highlight a troubling reality: the overwhelming majority of trans minors are not receiving the medical transition care they desperately need, despite political narratives suggesting that youth are being “rushed” into treatment.
The report also shines a light on the pervasive fear among LGBTQ+ youth as anti-trans legislation continues to spread across the United States. A staggering 87% of trans and nonbinary youth currently on hormones expressed concern over losing access to their care, while 94% stated that recent anti-LGBTQ+ laws and political debates have negatively impacted their mental health.
“These young people report they are being bullied, discriminated against, and debated about by politicians simply for being themselves,” said Jaymes Black, CEO of The Trevor Project. This statement encapsulates the struggles faced by trans youth in a society that often fails to affirm their identities.
Research consistently shows that gender-affirming care is linked to improved mental health outcomes for transgender youth. Large-scale studies have found significant reductions in suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety among those who have access to supportive care and affirming environments. It’s time for lawmakers to listen to the data and prioritize the well-being of trans youth over harmful political agendas.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out to Mind at 0300 123 3393, Switchboard at 0800 0119 100, or the Samaritans at 116 123. In the U.S., the National Suicide Prevention Line can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. Remember, you are not alone in this fight.