Suicide in LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex) Individuals

Abstract

Although lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) people have become more visible in recent years, in many countries, people with different sexual orientations continue to face discrimination, exclusion, labeling, violence, fines, and death penalties. Individuals with different sexual orientations are subjected to homophobic attitudes that are considered not only by society but also by their closest social environment, such as family. Homophobia within the family can lead to a loss of self-confidence, self-esteem and negative situations such as migration and homelessness. In addition to the difficulties they experience, their inability to benefit from health services negatively affects their mental health. Studies show that the rates of suicide among LGBTI people are higher than among heterosexuals due to difficulties and mental problems. In order to reduce the suicide risk of individuals with different sexual orientations, the lack of knowledge of society and healthcare professionals should be eliminated. LGBTI individuals should be supported in the coming out process, and school-family-health worker cooperation should be ensured due to the higher risk of suicide during adolescence. Preventive interventions should be prioritized, and the cultural competencies of healthcare professionals should be gained in order to determine whether individuals who commit suicide were previously receiving psychological support in some of the studies conducted. Training should be organized for health professionals to gain cultural competencies, courses for those with different sexual orientations should be added to the curriculum, and care guidelines should be created. This review aims to address the factors in suicidal behaviors of those with different sexual orientations and the strategies that can be implemented to address these factors. It is thought that this review can be used as a resource for creating training and care guidelines, which are essential factors in gaining future cultural competencies of healthcare professionals.