In a troubling revelation, the Urvashi Vaid (oor-va-she- Wed) National LGBTQ+ Women’s Community Survey highlights alarming mental health disparities among queer women in the U.S. The survey, named after the late lesbian activist who passed away in 2022, found that 22 percent of LGBTQ women reported having attempted suicide—over four times the national average. The statistics are even more concerning for trans individuals, with a staggering 37 percent reporting suicide attempts. Additionally, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color surveyed had a 29 percent attempt rate. The report, which gathered insights from over 5,000 respondents between June 2021 and June 2022, revealed that nearly half of queer women experience depression, while 44 percent face anxiety. Moreover, 47 percent of queer women reported surviving some form of intimate partner violence, significantly higher than the 35.6 percent in the general population. Yet, fewer than 20 percent accessed institutional support, with many citing police as "not helpful at all." The survey also revealed healthcare access issues, with 14 percent of respondents never having a smear test and 22 percent delaying care due to discrimination. Suicide is preventable. For anyone affected by these issues, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-8255. #Queer Up Health