Research has found that transgender and nonbinary youth who experienced discrimination based on their gender identity reported higher odds of attempting suicide in the past year
April 6, 2023 — The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people, released the following statement in response to the Department of Education’s proposed rule for the eligibility of transgender student-athletes under Title IX.
Statement from Kasey Suffredini (he/him pronouns), Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project:
“This proposed rule makes it clear that the 20 state laws categorically prohibiting transgender young people from participating in school sports violate federal law. Title IX exists to ensure inclusion and prevent discrimination across the country, and state laws must uphold fundamental principles of law and fairness. Nobody should be denied the opportunity to be part of a team just because of who they are.”
“The Trevor Project’s research found that 71% of transgender and nonbinary youth reported that they have experienced discrimination based on their gender identity, and further research shows that those who reported experiencing discrimination had more than double the odds of attempting suicide in the past year compared to those who did not. Being told that you cannot participate in an activity, or even enter a space because of who you are can be incredibly damaging to a young person’s mental health and sense of self. We must reject blanket bans and afford trans young people the same opportunities as their peers to lead happy, healthy, and full lives.”
Relevant Data:
- The Trevor Project’s polling has found that 86% of transgender and nonbinary youth say recent debates about state laws restricting the rights of transgender people have negatively impacted their mental health. When asked about new policies that would ban transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams and transgender boys from playing on boys’ sports teams, 64% of transgender and nonbinary youth said it made them feel angry, 44% felt sad, 39% felt stressed, and 1 in 4 felt scared.
- The Trevor Project’s research also shows that transgender and nonbinary youth who have access to gender-affirming spaces and gender identity acceptance from adults and peers report lower rates of attempting suicide in the past year.
- However, a 2022 peer-reviewed study found that many transgender high school girls who reported an interest in playing sports cited concerns around harassment, stigma, and gendered spaces.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.
