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The Relationship Between Parental and Caregiver Support and Suicide Among LGBTQ+ Youth of Color

Among TGNBQ youth of color, acceptance for gender identity was linked to 36% lower odds of a past-year suicide attempt.
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Abstract

Purpose
This study examines the relationship between parental/caregiver support and suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth, with a focus on transgender, nonbinary, or gender questioning (TGNBQ) youth of color.

Methods
Data from 28,524 LGBTQ+ young people aged 13–24 years were collected through a 2022 national online survey. Parental/caregiver support and acceptance were assessed through participants’ self-reported experiences of LGBTQ+ supportive actions taken by their parents/caregivers related to their LGBTQ+ identities. Suicide risk was evaluated based on self-reported suicide consideration and attempts over the past year.

Results
Seventy three percent of White LGBTQ+ youth reported acceptance for their sexual orientation, compared to 65% of LGBTQ+ youth of color (χ2 = 174.12, p < .001). White TGNBQ youth reported a higher rate of gender identity acceptance (55%) from parents/caregivers compared to TGNBQ youth of color (47%; χ2 = 63.83; p < .001). For LGBTQ+ youth of color, sexual orientation acceptance was associated with 33% lower odds of attempting suicide in the past year (adjusted odds ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval = 0.58–0.75, p < .001). Acceptance for gender identity among TGNB youth of color was linked to 36% lower odds of a past-year suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval = 0.55–0.75, p < .001).

Discussion
The study underscores the protective role of parental/caregiver acceptance against suicidal attempts, emphasizing the need for acceptance across diverse family dynamics. These findings call for culturally competent interventions and policies that enhance parental/caregiver support, recognizing the intersectional challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth.

Nath, R., Hobaica, S., & DeChants, J. P. (2025). The Relationship Between Parental and Caregiver Support and Suicide Among LGBTQ+ Youth of Color. Journal of Adolescent Health. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2024.11.242

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