LGBTQ+ people are not at increased risk due to their gender identity or sexual orientation in and of itself. Instead, they experience an increased risk for suicide from mental health issues and substance abuse due to societal stigmatization and lower levels of acceptance in the broader community.

Having a mental illness, a history of alcohol or drug misuse, social isolation, and societal prejudice, discrimination and bullying can increase the risk of suicide for people in the LGBTQ+ community.

To reduce suicide risk and improve mental wellness, individuals and organizations can work towards building more societal and family acceptance, create places for connectedness, respect and use pronouns that affirm gender identities [link to pronoun section on get involved page], and improve access to competent mental health care and gender-affirming medical care.

Source: Preventing Suicide in LGBTQ+ communities, AFSP