State-Level Policy and Suicide Risk among Sexual Minority Youth

• In Event: 1466 - Section on the Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 2. Life Outcomes for LGBTQ people

Abstract

Previous research consistently demonstrates that sexual minority youth are much more likely than their heterosexual peers to consider suicide, plan a suicide, and attempt suicide. Using minority stress theory and a structural stigma framework, these disparities are understood as not inherently related to sexual orientation but a result of occupying a stigmatized status within heteronormative contexts. In this paper, we consider how LGBTQ-inclusive policies at the state level are associated with sexual identity differences in suicide ideation and attempts among a large, representative sample of LGBQ and heterosexual identified youth (2017 Youth Risk Behavior States Data, n=80,087 youth in grades 9 through 12). Findings from multilevel models suggest that sexual identity disparities in suicide ideation and attempts are smaller in states with more inclusive and protective policies. Among female youth, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning girls living in states with higher levels of overall LGBTQ equality were less likely to report having seriously considered suicide over the past year compared to those living in states with lower levels of equality. Similarly, bisexual and questioning boys were less likely to report suicide ideation or suicide attempts in states with greater LGBTQ equality. In addition, non-discrimination policies and anti-bullying policies were associated with lower suicide risk for bisexual and questioning boys.

Authors

• Jennifer Pearson, Wichita State University

• Jamie Lyn Wooley-Snider, Wichita State University