In recent years, suicide risk among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people has become a growing focus of public discussion and concern. While some of that visibility has been informed by solid research and facts, other aspects of the discussion have inadvertently contributed to misinformation about suicidal behavior in LGBT populations, potentially increasing the risk of suicide in vulnerable individuals.
The importance of public education about suicide cannot be overstated. When individuals and organizations talk about suicide safely and accurately, they can help reduce the likelihood of its occurrence; however, talking about suicide in inaccurate or exaggerated ways can elevate that risk in vulnerable individuals.
This second edition of Talking About Suicide & LGBT Populations provides facts about suicide and LGBT people, as well as ways to talk about suicide safely and accurately—and in ways that advance vital public discussions about preventing suicide among LGBT people and supporting their health and well-being.
Additional Resources
- Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide (2011) (American Association of Suicidology; American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; Annenberg Public Policy Center; Canterbury Suicide Project – University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Columbia University Department of Psychiatry; ConnectSafely.org; Emotion Technology; International Association for Suicide Prevention Task Force on Media and Suicide; Medical University of Vienna; National Alliance on Mental Illness; National Institute of Mental Health; New York State Psychiatric Institute; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Suicide Awareness Voices of Education; Suicide Prevention Resource Center; The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and UCLA School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences)
- Suicide and Suicide Risk in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations: Review and Recommendations (Journal of Homosexuality, Volume 58, Issue 1, January 2011)
- Safe and Effective Messaging for Suicide Prevention (Suicide Prevention Resource Center)
