A new report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights a significant mental health crisis affecting the LGB+ community, revealing that those who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual are at a substantially increased risk of self-harm and suicide. The data shows that particularly gay men face the highest suicide rates, while young LGB+ individuals are experiencing alarming self-harm rates, with a rate of 2,828 per 100,000 people, more than double that of straight youth.

The findings, which provide a comprehensive look at self-harm and suicide rates based on sexual orientation, were derived from linking the data from the 2021 census with NHS hospital records and death registrations in England and Wales. Mental health organizations are calling for immediate intervention to support these communities, highlighting the need to combat systemic homophobia and provide comprehensive mental health care.

Furthermore, self-harm risks are higher among the LGB+ demographic across all age groups, with young bisexual individuals facing particular vulnerability. Among women, those identifying as lesbian exhibit a significantly higher risk of self-harm compared to their heterosexual peers.

Despite the elevated risks predominantly affecting younger individuals, older members of the LGB+ community also show concerning trends, with suicide rates reaching as high as 67 deaths per 100,000 for individuals in their late 40s to early 60s. This demographic is 2.8 times more likely to die by suicide than their heterosexual counterparts, indicating that the threat to mental health persists throughout the lifespan.

The statistics also reveal a tragic correlation between discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and mental health struggles stemming from various forms of stigma, suggesting that the real cause of these issues often lies outside of one's sexual orientation. Experts urge the government and health services to reinforce their commitment to inclusivity in healthcare settings, especially as the number of young people identifying as LGBTQ+ continues to rise.

Additionally, there are pressing challenges stemming from intersectionality, as Black LGB+ individuals are experiencing compounded risks from both homophobia and racism. Community support services specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ populations are essential, but often, these resources fall short due to underfunding. Advocacy groups emphasize that immediate action is necessary, asserting that the lives of vulnerable individuals depend on better healthcare and mental health support tailored to their unique experiences.