A new study published in Educational Researcher reveals a sharp rise in the number of high school girls identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning, and a troubling parallel increase in suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts. In 2021, nearly one-third of U.S. high school girls surveyed identified as LGBQ, up from 22% just two years earlier.
Researchers Mollie T. McQuillan, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Joseph R. Cimpian, PhD, of New York University, analyzed data from over 44,000 students gathered through the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys between 2015 and 2021. Their findings show LGBQ identification among girls rose from 15% in 2015 to 34% in 2021, while boys saw a smaller increase, from 6% to 9%.
During the same period, suicidal ideation among girls increased from 23% to 29%, and 23% reported making a suicide plan in 2019. LGBQ girls consistently reported higher rates of suicidal thoughts compared to heterosexual peers.McQuillan told Healio, “Physicians should be aware that the parallel trends of suicidality among adolescent girls and LGBTQ+ adolescents appear to be related…It is crucial for physicians to continue educating themselves about gender and sexual orientation to provide affirming care.”
While many LGBQ teens thrive, McQuillan noted ongoing threats from anti-LGBQ policies, bullying, and family rejection. She urged medical professionals to advocate for inclusive laws, antidiscrimination measures, and continued sexual orientation data collection. More details can be found in Andrew (Drew) Rhoades’ full article at healio.com.
