A recent study conducted by the Trevor Project has revealed alarming statistics regarding the mental health of LGBTQIA+ intersex youths. The findings show that 48% of intersex youths contemplated suicide in the past year, underscoring an urgent need for acceptance and inclusion.
Content warning: This article discusses youth suicide rates.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young individuals, with LGBTQIA+ youths being four times more likely to contemplate suicide, formulate plans, and attempt suicide compared to their straight, cisgender counterparts. The report highlights that intersex youths face an even greater risk, with 19% reporting suicide attempts in the last year, compared to 14% of LGBTQ youths who do not identify as intersex.
The Trevor Project, which focuses on supporting LGBTQIA+ youths and preventing suicide, surveyed over 1,000 intersex individuals aged 13 to 24 as part of their 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. According to Planned Parenthood, 1 to 2 out of every 100 individuals in the U.S. are intersex, and the younger members of this community are particularly vulnerable, especially when encountering mistreatment from peers, family, and medical professionals. These professionals often push for surgeries or treatments aimed at aligning intersex individuals with a specific gender, negatively impacting their mental health.
The report indicates that 48% of intersex youths seriously considered suicide in the past year, compared to 41% of non-intersex LGBTQ youths. Among those aged 13 to 17, nearly one in four (24%) attempted suicide within the same timeframe, in contrast to 14% of intersex youths aged 18 to 24.
Factors contributing to the mental health struggles of intersex youths include unnecessary medical procedures, societal pressure to conform to a specific gender identity, discrimination, and issues like housing instability and food insecurity. “The mental health challenges for LGBTQ youth are already higher than for their cisgender, straight peers, and intersex youths face even greater risks,” explained Dr. Lila Thompson, a senior research analyst at the Trevor Project.
However, the report offers a glimmer of hope: acceptance. “Intersex youth are much more than their physical attributes,” Dr. Thompson noted. “Recognizing them as individuals allows us to shift focus from a medicalized viewpoint to one that values their unique identities.”
Intersex youths are 55% and 45% less likely to attempt suicide when they have just one accepting parent regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity, respectively. The odds improve further with a supportive social network. The report emphasizes the necessity for policy changes, including gender-neutral restrooms, inclusive sex education, and gender-neutral sports programs for meaningful inclusion. It’s crucial to convey that “we see you, we recognize your presence, and we accept you for who you are,” particularly for intersex youths who often face barriers to living authentically from a young age. Change is long overdue.
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Summary:
A recent report by the Trevor Project highlights the critical need for acceptance and inclusion of intersex youths, revealing that 48% have contemplated suicide in the past year. The study emphasizes the impact of societal pressures, discrimination, and unnecessary medical treatments on their mental health. Acceptance from parents and peers significantly reduces suicide attempts, underlining the importance of supportive environments and policy changes.