Table 3: Studies reporting on gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth suicide attempt incidences.
 
 

Related Factors/Reasons: Attempted suicide incidence for for sexually abused (76%), physically abused (72%), emotionally / psychologically abused (56%). Reasons for attempt: confusion / difficulty with sexual orientation (29%), sadness / depression (18%), parental abuse (16%), fear of rejection (15%), hopelessness / no purpose (9%), 75% of PTS members had had a plan for suicide, but only 15/83 (19.5%) had attempted suicide, while 27/46 (60%) of youth not attending PTS (Pink Triangle Services - for youth) had attempted suicide.NOTE: This youth group, HMI and Horizon (see below) report the lowest attempted suicide rate for GLB youth samples.

Related Factors/Reasons: Emotional isolation for 95%. Sexually abused, 22%. Rape common, especially in institutions. If known to be GB, "rape probable rather than possible" in group homes / shelters. Lesbians also at risk for rape. HMI reported having 9 youth in treatment for a suicide attempt but they had not yet revealed their sexual orientation to therapist.

26. Herdt, Gilbert, and Boxer, Andrew. Children of Horizon: How Gay and Lesbian Teens Are Leading a New Way Out of the Closet. Beacon Press, Boston, Mass., 1993.

27. Magnuson, Curtis. Lesbian and gay youth in Ottawa: the importance of community, 1992. Available from Pink Triangle Services, Ottawa. Also available as a Master's thesis, Carleton University, Ottawa.

28. Martin, AD., and Hetrick, ES. The stigmatization of the gay and lesbian adolescent. Journal of Homosexuality, 1988; 15(1/2): 163-183.

32. Roesler, T, and Deisher, RW. Youthful Male Homosexuality. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), 1972; 219(8): 1018-1023.