Reaching Out to LGBT Youth

Positive relationships with family, teachers, and peers can make the difference for LGBT youth at risk for suicidal behavior.

With lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth facing a heightened risk for suicidal behavior, an EDC resource center has developed a set of guidelines for the adults who care for them.

“How LGBT youth are treated by others—including family, teachers, peers—can have a strong link with suicidal behavior,” says Effie Malley, who co-authored the paper with Suicide Prevention Resource Center colleagues Marc Posner and Lloyd Potter. “Our recommendations call for youth service providers to promote inclusive resources, reduce violence and bullying, and do more staff training about LGBT youth.”

Other recommendations call for developing more peer-based support programs and creating policies and protocols for responding appropriately if a youth is found to be at risk. All of the recommendations were reviewed by experts in sexual and gender minority issues and suicide prevention, and by youth themselves.

The paper includes a resource appendix and extensive bibliography and may be downloaded from the center’s website.