Survey Reveals Crisis in LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health: Schools Seen as Lifeline

Breaking: 1 in 10 LGBTQ+ Youth Attempted Suicide in Past Year, Trevor Project Data Shows

New survey data from the Trevor Project reveals an urgent mental health crisis among LGBTQ+ youth. One in 10 respondents aged 13 to 24 reported attempting suicide in the previous year, while more than a third said they had seriously considered it. The findings come from a nationwide survey of 16,000 young people conducted in late 2025.

“These numbers are a stark reminder of the daily pressures LGBTQ+ young people face,” said Ronita Nath, vice president of research at the Trevor Project. “But the data also shows a clear path forward: affirming environments save lives.”

Background

The Trevor Project’s 2025 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health is one of the largest of its kind. It captures the impact of bullying, isolation, and the ongoing political debate over anti-LGBTQ+ legislation—which has reached record levels in 2026.

More than 60% of respondents said they felt stressed, anxious, or unsafe due to proposed laws and the public rhetoric surrounding them. Those who experienced victimization because of their sexual orientation or gender identity—including bullying, physical harm, or exposure to conversion therapy—were three times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.

Yet the survey also identifies a critical protective factor: school environments that affirm LGBTQ+ identities. Among youth who reported feeling supported at school, suicide risk dropped significantly.

What This Means

Schools are uniquely positioned to intervene. Nath emphasized that simple measures—such as establishing Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), enforcing anti-harassment policies, and providing professional development for educators—can dramatically improve outcomes.

“When adults and institutions become more affirming, the suicide risk goes down,” Nath said. “Schools play a life-saving role by creating safe, accepting spaces.”

However, access to mental health care remains a barrier. Forty-four percent of respondents said they could not get the mental health services they needed—often due to fear of not being taken seriously, past negative experiences, or lack of transportation. Nath urged schools to integrate mental health support into daily operations.

The crisis is urgent, but the solution is within reach. As Nath noted, “Affirming policies don’t just benefit LGBTQ+ youth—they improve well-being for all students.”