A two-year tracking study of nearly 1,700 LGBTQ+ youth finds that rising discrimination and threats of conversion therapy correlate with sharply higher rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. Yet the same research, published by The Trevor Project under its Project SPARK initiative, finds that mental health care, family acceptance and gender-affirming support appear to blunt those risks even as external conditions worsen.
What the data show
Project SPARK has surveyed LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24 every six months since September 2023. Over two years, researchers recorded increases in several risk factors: discrimination reported by transgender, nonbinary or gender-questioning youth rose from 57% to 67%; threats of conversion therapy rose from 12% to 22%, with actual exposure rising from 9% to 16%; and homelessness among participants nearly doubled, from 7% to 13%. Reported anxiety climbed from 54% to 63%, and depression from 43% to 51%. Suicidal thoughts held steady at roughly 2 in 5 respondents, though the report notes a slight decline in self-harm and suicide attempts over the same period.
Where protective factors mattered
The report identifies specific exposures tied to elevated risk: youth exposed to or threatened with conversion therapy had nearly three times the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, while homeless youth or those victimized over gender identity faced more than double the risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Conversely, access to care seemed to help: 4 in 5 youth said they received the mental health care they wanted, and its perceived helpfulness rose from 64% to 91%. Access to gender-affirming tools such as binders and clothing rose from 62% to 75% among transgender participants, and access to hormone treatment among those who wanted it rose from 34% to 62% - though adults (73%) reported far greater access than minors (33%), reflecting age-based legal and medical barriers.
How young people sought help
During suicidal crises, respondents most often turned to friends (42%) or a crisis helpline (30%); notably, 32% said they sought help from no one, underscoring gaps in support networks. Dr. Ronita Nath of The Trevor Project said the findings affirm that "creating welcoming and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth is a lifesaving intervention," while CEO Jaymes Black called the decline in self-harm amid rising discrimination "a testament to the lifesaving power of community and connection."
Context and limits
The findings come from self-reported survey data within a single cohort study and describe correlation rather than controlled causal proof, though the pattern is consistent with prior research on minority stress and protective support. Those experiencing a mental health crisis can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or reach The Trevor Project's counselors 24/7 at 866-488-7386, via chat at TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678678.