LGBTQ Initiative
Recognizing the need for research, awareness and education on suicide and suicide risk among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals, AFSP sponsored a 2007 conference on this topic in partnership with the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Two dozen invited experts -- including suicide and health researchers, clinicians and policy advocates -- summarized and discussed research findings, made recommendations to address knowledge gaps and began discussing the implications of research findings for reducing suicidal behavior in LGBTQ people.
Since that meeting, AFSP has funded several research grants related to LGBTQ suicide, further expanding the knowledge base. These include a study on the use of Family-Based Attachment Therapy with LGBTQ youth and an in-depth analysis of longitudinal data obtained from a nationally-representative sample of adolescents and young adults, which allows LGBTQ youth to be contrasted with those who identify as heterosexual or straight. (Multiple studies in the United States and abroad have shown that lesbian, gay and bisexual adolescents attempt suicide at a rate three to six times that of comparably aged heterosexual youth.)
AFSP has also been vocal about anti-gay bullying and its detrimental effects on the mental health of young people, and has worked with the Annenberg Public Policy Center to improve the way this topic and other aspects of suicide are covered in the media.
In 2009, AFSP received a grant from the Johnson Family Foundation to develop a project aimed at applying what is currently known about LGBTQ suicide risk to reduce suicidal behavior in these populations. Through this Knowledge to Practice Initiative, AFSP is working to lay the foundation for a national LGBTQ suicide prevention effort by establishing partnerships with leading national and state organizations.
In January 2010, during the AFSP Chapter Leadership Conference, a group of AFSP chapter representatives met to discuss the most pressing LGBTQ mental health issues and how to meet those needs in their regions. Out of that meeting, the AFSP Chapter Advisory Committee on LGBTQ Issues was born. Since then, chapter volunteers have expressed enthusiasm and dedication to bring better understanding of suicide into their local LGBTQ communities, and for changes to state and federal policies that directly affect the mental health of, and suicide prevention among, LGBTQ people.
AFSP is currently working to complete a review of research and recommendations on LGBTQ suicide and suicide risk. In addition to providing input into this report, the Chapter Advisory Committee has developed and submitted to the AFSP Public Policy Council its recommendations about legislative and regulatory initiatives affecting LGBTQ people. Further, in an effort to educate mainstream suicide prevention organizations, LGBTQ health/rights groups and the general public, the advisory committee is working to create LGBTQ mental health educational resources and training tools.
In April 2010, AFSP also participated in an expert panel discussion on anti-gay bullying alongside The Trevor Project, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network and the Hetrick-Martin Institute. The event was hosted and filmed by In the Life Media and distributed to educators, counselors and activists across the nation. To view the event trailer, click here.
AFSP is dedicated to playing a lead role in the effort to prevent LGBTQ suicide.
The 2007 conference on LGBTQ suicide and suicide risk was sponsored by AFSP, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, the Suicide Prevention Resource Center and Eli Lilly and Company Foundation. The LGBTQ Initiative is currently being funded by a grant from the Johnson Family Foundation.
