The Trevor Project’s first-ever study on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth in Mexico surveyed more than 10,000 young people
February 21, 2024 – The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people, released its inaugural 2024 Mexico National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People today, amplifying the experiences of 10,635 LGBTQ+ young people in Mexico between the ages of 13 and 24.
This first-of-its-kind survey, available in both English and Spanish, was led by The Trevor Project’s Research team in the U.S. in collaboration with academic researchers from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and partner organizations Yaaj Transformando tu Vida A.C. (Yaaj México) and Asociación por las Infancias Transgénero A.C. (Infancias Trans).
“These findings reveal that there is an urgent mental health crisis among LGBTQ+ young people in Mexico – and it must be addressed,” said Dr. Ronita Nath (she/her), Vice President of Research at The Trevor Project. “While research on this topic is very limited in Latin America, this study reinforces that LGBTQ+ youth suicide is, in fact, a global public health crisis. The rates of suicide risk among this group are concerning, especially when we look at those who hold multiple marginalized identities. These data underscore the immediate need for targeted and systemic prevention efforts across the country. We urge mental health care providers, policymakers, educators, and other youth-facing adults to take action, show support for LGBTQ+ young people, and approach any interventions through a truly intersectional lens to help LGBTQ+ young people in Mexico lead the happy, healthy lives they deserve.”
The data reveal that more than half of LGBTQ+ young people in Mexico reported considering suicide in the past year, including 2 out of 3 transgender and nonbinary young people and nearly half of cisgender young people. Key findings include:
- 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ youth in Mexico attempted suicide in the past year, including nearly half of trans and nonbinary youth.
- 57% of LGBTQ+ young people ages 13-17 considered suicide in the past year — compared to 46% of those ages 18-24.
- Among LGBTQ+ young people who attempted suicide in the past year, 77% reported family as a motivation, and 60% reported school as a motivation for the suicide attempt.
- Less than 22% of LGBTQ+ young people reported having access to an affirming home, and only 34% felt fully accepted by their family when they came out.
- 91% of LGBTQ+ young people desired mental health care in the past, but less than 3 in 5 received it.
The research also emphasizes that having access to affirming spaces, such as an affirming home or accepting community, can be a protective factor against depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. For example, trans and nonbinary young people who reported that they had gender identity support from friends, or said that the people in their lives respect their pronouns, reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide in the past year.
“It is essential to immediately address the comprehensive mental health of LGBTQ+ youth,” Edurne Balmori (she/her), Executive Director of The Trevor Project Mexico, said. “This approach must transcend institutional boundaries by reaching out to local communities. It is critical to actively promote diversity education and forge an environment that ensures every LGBTQ+ young person lives free from fear and discrimination.”
About The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ young people. Trevor offers 24/7 crisis services, connecting highly trained counselors with LGBTQ+ young people whenever they need support. To drive prevention efforts, The Trevor Project also operates robust research, advocacy, education, and peer support programs.
If you or someone you know needs help or support, The Trevor Project’s trained crisis counselors are available 24/7 at 18664887386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.
About The Trevor Project México
The Trevor Project es la organización líder en intervención en crisis y prevención del suicidio para las juventudes LGBTQ+ (lesbianas, gays, bisexuales, transgénero, queer y más). The Trevor Project en México cuenta con personal capacitado que atiende a las juventudes cuando se enfrentan a temas como salir del clóset, identidad de género, la depresión y la ideación suicida.
Los servicios digitales de manejo de crisis en México TrevorText y TrevorChat son gratuitos, seguros y confidenciales, funcionan las 24 horas del día, los 365 días del año a través de mensaje de WhatsApp al 55 9225 3337 enviando la palabra “Comenzar” o a través del chat del sitio de Trevor.
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