Share

Share this

Share on Facebook Share on Facebook Tweet Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on WhatsApp

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

MEXICO CITY, Mexico. In Mexico, more than 50% of LGBT+ youth have considered suicide in the past year. This was recorded in the first mental health survey in the country conducted among people between the ages of 13 and 24, conducted by The Trevor Project Mexico , an organization dedicated to crisis and suicide prevention for young people of color.

Fifty-seven percent of those who considered suicide were between the ages of 13 and 17. Furthermore, one in three LGBT people attempted suicide in the past year. This figure increases among trans and non-binary populations, where two in three considered suicide and almost half attempted it.

Risk factors continue to be primarily a lack of safe spaces in family and school settings. In contrast, those who reported receiving support and acceptance in these spaces experience better mental health outcomes.

Talking about mental health

This is the first time in Mexico that specific data on mental health and LGBT+ youth has been collected, with the aim of understanding risk factors and what is needed to ensure the protection and well-being of this population.

“Being LGBTIQ+ is not directly related to having a crisis or committing suicide, because being LGBTIQ+ is not a problem. What is true is that the rates of violence, exclusion, and discrimination are high for this community because society sees us as a problem. So, the solution to improving mental health lies in society, in the context, in not aggravating conditions of inequality. It is stigma, violence, and discrimination that deteriorate mental health, not being an LGBTIQ+ person,” emphasizes Edurne Balmori, executive director of The Trevor Project Mexico, in an interview with Presentes .

The Trevor Project is an organization founded in the United States and expanded its operations to Mexico with a helpline in October 2022. Through WhatsApp and an online chat, they provide support and mental health crisis support to young LGBT+ people free of charge and confidentially.

If you're feeling fear, anxiety, or have thought about harming yourself, you can send a WhatsApp message to this number or start an online conversation at this link to receive support and support.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Trevor Project Mexico (@trevorprojectmx)

Family exclusion was the reason for attempted suicide in 77% of LGBT+ youth.

Of LGBT+ youth who attempted suicide in the past year, 77% said their motivation for suicide was related to their family situation, and 60% to their school environment. Only 22% of LGBT+ youth reported having access to an affirming home, and 34% felt accepted by their family after coming out. 

“The results show us that much remains to be done; they are more than statistics. They represent an urgent voice for all the young people who continue to struggle against discrimination, violence, and the lack of validation of their identities in primary settings, places where they should be protected,” Edurne emphasizes.

Another risk factor this survey identified is the threat or exposure to so-called "conversion therapies." In Mexico, these practices are classified as crimes in 16 states and operate in a variety of ways . In most cases, the primary actors involved in these human rights-violating practices are family members.

Trans and non-binary youth at greater risk 

Of the 50% of LGBT youth who have considered suicide, two out of three are trans and non-binary people; and almost half of these attempted suicide. 

Additionally, trans men and transmasculine people report the highest rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts, at 75% and 52%, respectively, compared to other trans identities. 

Currently, in some countries around the world, legislation is being passed to limit the progress of transgender human rights. In Mexico, some legislators are beginning to export not only their proposed laws but also the misleading narratives that underpin them.

Edurne believes that these contexts of misinformation and hate speech about trans identities can also be a risk factor for the mental health of LGBT+ people in Mexico.

“We don't want more than half of LGBT youth thinking about suicide for any reason. We don't want any. But now it's more than half. Let's think about what will happen tomorrow if we don't do something about this, including misinformation and hate speech,” Balmori adds.

Support from friends and family protects against depression

The survey reveals that where friends and family are supportive of LGBT+ youth, and where their sexual orientation and gender identity are respected and validated, environments are created where there is less risk of experiencing depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts. 

More than half of those surveyed (57%) emphasize that their identities and pronouns are most respected in their schools and digital environments. 

Additionally, 40% of young LGBT+ people reported that their community was somewhat or very accepting of LGBTQ+ people. In contrast, only 22% reported having access to a home that affirms their sexual orientation and gender identity.

Edurne comments that mental health in Mexico is facing a crisis, not only in terms of budget but also due to a lack of intersectional focus and analysis of contexts and risk factors.

“An expanded budget for prevention and rehabilitation services is necessary. But above all, we believe there is a need to invest in building accessible and vital spaces for families, schools, community services, and health services that affirm people's LGBTIQ+ identity,” concludes Edurne Balmori.