Alarming statistics released by the Trevor Project, a national suicide prevention organization, reveal that nearly 40% of LGBTQ+ youth in the United States have seriously considered suicide in the past year. This data stems from a survey conducted among over 18,500 individuals aged 13 to 24 between September and December 2023. The findings shed light on the mental health challenges faced by queer youth, especially in an environment where over 480 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced across the nation. This survey supplemented the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Youth Risk Behavior Survey released last year. The CDC data stated that feeling of sadness or hopelessness was reported by LGBTQ+ youth at a rate of 69%, as compared to heterosexual students at 35%. Dr. Ronita Nath, vice president of research at the Trevor Project, underscores the need for supportive communities amidst the recent political developments that have negatively affected the well-being of 90% of respondents. Instances of physical threats, bullying, discrimination, and conversion therapy have doubled the suicide attempt rates among affected youth. The 2024 Trevor Project survey comes shortly after the latest survey by UCLA School of Law’s Williams Institute which shows that 93% of trans youth aged 13 to 17 are in states where anti LGBTQ+ bills have been passed or are under consideration. Against such a grim backdrop, Nath urges, “ politicians, members of the media, anyone publicly debating about LGBTQ+ young people to really understand that… protecting and supporting the mental health and well-being of young people, you know, should not be up for political debate.” #Students & Youth Culture