During Pride Month, the Trevor Project is shedding light on the alarming issue of youth suicide rates among LGBTQ+ young people. This national organization provides vital counseling and resources to help young people navigate through crisis and save lives. It’s concerning to hear that almost 40 percent of LGBTQ+ youth have either thought about or attempted suicide.
Trevor Project Vice President Tommy Marzella emphasized the importance of having at least one accepting adult in the lives of young LGBTQ+ individuals, as this significantly reduces the rates of suicide attempts. Marzella stressed that LGBTQ+ youth are not inherently prone to mental health issues, but rather are placed at a higher risk due to experiences of rejection and victimization.
It’s also worth noting that Ohio is at ‘notable risk’ for LGBTQ+ inequality due to a lack of legal protections, as reported by the Trevor Project. The organization aims to provide resources for youth 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Locally, individuals can reach out to the Kaleidoscope Youth Center for help or visit The Trevor Project website for support.
