LGBTQ+ Mental Health Statistics

jle373
Jun 16
3 min read

Every June, Pride Month gives us a chance to celebrate LGBTQ+ identity, resilience, and joy. It’s also a time to shine a light on the challenges that still exist—especially when it comes to mental health.

Statistics tell powerful stories, and it’s important to remember that behind each number is a real person navigating not only the challenges of mental health, but also the weight of rejection, discrimination, or simply the fear of being their true self. For too many LGBTQ+ individuals, these struggles aren’t just occasional—they’re part of daily life.

So let’s take a look at what the numbers really say—and how we can use that knowledge to build safer, more affirming communities for everyone.

Mental Health Disparities in the LGBTQ+ Community

It’s no secret that LGBTQ+ folks face greater mental health challenges than their heterosexual, cisgender peers—but the extent of that disparity is staggering.

A 2024 national survey from The Trevor Project found that 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. For transgender and nonbinary youth, that number jumps to 46%. Even more startingly, 12% of LGBTQ+ youth actually attempted suicide within the same period.

These numbers reflect the chronic stress and trauma caused by things like bullying, family rejection, and harmful legislation. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) calls this the "minority stress model", where persistent stigma and discrimination lead to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality.

Transgender and Nonbinary Youth Face Even Greater Risk

Transgender and nonbinary individuals, especially youth, face the highest risk of all. Data shows that they are three to four times more likely to experience depression and suicidal ideation than cisgender students. Many report feeling unsafe at school, and over half have been bullied or threatened simply for expressing their gender identity.

Recent legal restrictions on gender-affirming care have created new barriers to well-being. Studies show that in states where gender-affirming care is banned or restricted, suicide attempts among trans youth increase dramatically—sometimes by more than 70% within two years.

Access to Care Is Still a Major Barrier

Even when LGBTQ+ youth seek help, many can’t get the care they need. In the same survey from The Trevor Project, 84% of LGBTQ+ youth wanted mental health support, but only about half actually received it.

What’s getting in the way? Common barriers include:

Fear of being misunderstood by providers
Lack of LGBTQ+-affirming therapists
Financial limitations
Family or community stigma

For transgender and nonbinary youth, finding a provider who respects their identity and offers affirming care is especially difficult. The good news is that the same studies show that just one supportive adult in a young person’s life can act as a protective factor and cut their suicide risk by as much as 40%.

Intersectionality Deepens the Crisis

Mental health outcomes are even more dire when identities overlap. LGBTQ+ youth of color, for example, report significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and mental distress than white LGBTQ+ peers. Bisexual individuals—who often experience erasure even within LGBTQ+ spaces—report feeling lonelier and less supported overall.

The message is clear: mental health support needs to be not just inclusive of LGBTQ+ identities, but also culturally competent and trauma-informed across race, disability, class, and more.

The mental health crisis in the LGBTQ+ community is urgent—but it’s not hopeless. The data may be difficult to read, but it offers us a map: if we remove stigma, affirm identities, and ensure access to care, we can save lives.

Whether you're an educator, parent, clinician, policymaker, or neighbor, you have a role to play. Start conversations. Advocate for inclusive policies. Show up for your people. And support local organizations like SEWI that are making healing, connection, and empowerment possible every single day.

Because everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and mentally well exactly as they are.

How SEWI Is Making a Difference

Right here in our own communities, organizations are stepping up to close the gap. At the Social & Emotional Wellness Initiative (SEWI), our organization is working to ensure everyone, including LGBTQ+ youth, can live full, supported lives. SEWI empowers young people through:

Individual and group counseling services
Social-emotional learning curriculum development
Staff training and development for youth-serving professionals
Parent and family resources

We understand that mental health support isn’t one-size-fits-all, and our staff is committed to creating truly inclusive, affirming programs for people at every intersection of identity.

Want to help? You can: