Communication and support as suicide prevention for LGBTQIA2S + youth: perspectives of professionals, parents, and youth

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) youth experience higher rates of suicide than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. Our study sought the perspectives of LGBTQIA2S + youth, parents, and professionals to identify ways to better communicate about and interact with LGBTQIA2S + youth as a form of suicide prevention. We conducted 22 key informant interviews with professionals and four focus groups with LGBTQIA2S + young adults and parents of LGBTQIA2S + youth between October 2022 and January 2023. Data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis. Two main themes emerged: (1) the importance of positive messaging when talking about LGBTQIA2S + youth and 2) everyone has a role to play in creating supportive and affirming environments. Participants explained how positive messaging can help decrease risk, with many professionals pointing to the platform they have for making a large-scale impact. Professionals, parents, and youth all described the unique roles that people can play in supporting and affirming LGBTQIA2S + youth, many of which are simple and actionable. Together, our findings demonstrate how positive messaging and community-based support for LGBTQIA2S + youth may help promote mental well-being and suggest a need for targeted education and guidance to improve communication with and about LGBTQIA2S + youth.