New research report highlights key suicide prevention opportunities for LGBTIQA+ young people

A new research report by the NSW Child Death Review Team (CDRT) has examined evidence on suicide-related deaths among sexually diverse, gender diverse and/or intersex children and young people in NSW, making recommendations to reduce the risk of future deaths.  

The Suicide-related deaths among sexually diverse, gender diverse and/or intersex children and young people report found that supportive environments, including positive parental and family relationships and inclusive schools, are vitally important protective factors against suicide deaths of LGBTIQA+ children and young people.  

In NSW, suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 15−17 and ranks among the top 3 leading causes of death for children aged 10−14.¹ 

The CDRT’s biennial reports (see: 2020/2021 and 2022/2023) highlighted that LGBTIQA+ young people are at even higher risk of dying by suicide than their peers. Research indicates that LGBTQA+ 16−17-year-olds are 5 times more likely to have experienced a suicide attempt than their non-LGBTQA+ peers.²

“The CDRT recognises that sexual orientation, gender or intersex variation are not inherent causes of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, nor are they always necessarily at the centre of LGBTIQA+ young people’s experiences when they are experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours,” said NSW Ombudsman and CDRT Convenor, Paul Miller. “Their increased risk may, however, be impacted by psychological distress caused by related discrimination, prejudice, abuse and exclusion.” 

This new report brings together findings from recent case reviews conducted by the CDRT of suicide deaths in NSW, alongside independent literature and desktop reviews commissioned by the CDRT from ARTD Consultants (published separately as LGBTIQA+ youth suicide in NSW − literature and desktop review). 

The CDRT’s research report found that: 

• there are many complex factors that contribute to suicide among LGBTIQA+ young people  

• there are several gaps in, and barriers to access, suicide prevention-specific services for LGBTIQA+ young people in NSW 

• gender-affirming care can be a protective factor for transgender and gender diverse young people 

• existing government and non-government services have an opportunity to better support the mental health of LGBTIQA+ young people 

• additional guidance for young people to find support and further exploration of countermeasures  
  are required.  

To address its findings, the CDRT has made 7 recommendations aimed at reducing the prevalence of suicide among LGBTIQA+ young people. These include providing consolidated resources of support services for LGBTIQA+ young people and parents, reviewing school policies and curriculum to foster inclusive and affirming school environments, enhancing legislative protections against discrimination, providing resources to mental health clinicians and ensuring that support services are accessible. 

The CDRT will monitor and publicly report on the acceptance and implementation of these recommendations in its Annual Reports and via the CDRT website. 

The death of a child or young person is a tragedy, and the CDRT and NSW Ombudsman convey their sincere condolences to the families, friends, kin, carers and communities of those impacted. 

Read the full report

Read the LGBTIQA+ youth suicide in NSW − literature and desktop review 

^1.Child Death Review Team, Biennial Report of Child Deaths in 2022 and 2023. 

^2.Hill AO et al, Writing Themselves In 4: The Health and Wellbeing of LGBTQA+ Young People in Australia: National Report (Monograph Series  
No 124, Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, 2021) Writing Themselves In 4: National Report