A recent survey from The Trevor Project has revealed alarming statistics about LGBTQ+ youth in Missouri and Kansas, showing that nearly 40% of them have seriously thought about suicide in the past year. Even more concerning, 15% have attempted to take their own lives.
The study, which surveyed 18,000 individuals aged 13 to 24 across the U.S., focused on issues like depression, anxiety, bullying, and access to mental health care. The findings indicate that young LGBTQ+ individuals in the Midwest face some of the highest rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts compared to other regions in the country.
Why Are Suicide Rates High Among LGBTQ+ Youth?
Experts emphasize that LGBTQ+ youth are not naturally more prone to suicide than their peers. Instead, their risk is heightened due to mistreatment, stigma, and harmful policies.
“We must be careful to reiterate that these young people are not prone to higher suicide risk compared to their peers,” said Ronita Nath, Vice President of Research at The Trevor Project. “But rather, they’re placed at higher risk because of how they’re mistreated and stigmatized, including through anti-LGBTQ+ politics.”
The study also found that the Midwest has some of the highest reported cases of physical threats and harm against LGBTQ+ individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Nath hopes that these findings will serve as a guide for policymakers, educators, and organizations to create a more supportive and safe environment for LGBTQ+ youth.
“By reporting these numbers, we aim to highlight the ongoing risks LGBTQ+ youth face,” Nath said. “And reinforce the need for policies and support systems that protect them from these harmful experiences.”
Mental Health Concerns in Missouri and Kansas
Anxiety and depression are widespread among LGBTQ+ youth in Missouri and Kansas, especially given the rise of anti-transgender legislation in both states.
The survey found that:
- 69% of Missouri respondents reported experiencing anxiety, with the number rising to 75% among transgender and nonbinary individuals.
- 65% of Kansas respondents reported similar symptoms of anxiety.
- Nearly half of all young people in both states said they had experienced depression.
Political Climate and Its Impact on Mental Health
The increasing restrictions on transgender rights, particularly after the November election and policies introduced by President Donald Trump, have further fueled anxiety among LGBTQ+ youth.
Jennifer Mahurin, a therapist in the Kansas City area who works with LGBTQ+ clients, has noticed a significant increase in stress and worry among her patients.
“The messages that are coming into our schools, into our homes, into wherever we are,” Mahurin said, “are impacting everybody.”
Many young people cope with their anxiety in different ways, including excessive social media use, searching for answers online, or shutting down emotionally. Mahurin’s approach is to help them find healthy coping strategies.
“I’m usually checking in with them to see what is working for them, what isn’t working, and where they want to see the change,” she explained.
The Barriers to Mental Health Support
Therapy can be an effective tool for managing anxiety and depression, but many LGBTQ+ youth in Missouri and Kansas struggle to access mental health care.
The survey found that more than half of young people in Missouri who needed mental health care couldn’t get it. The main reasons were:
- 47% couldn’t afford it.
- A shortage of available therapists, especially in rural areas.
In Kansas, 46% of LGBTQ+ youth who wanted mental health support couldn’t receive it, with 43% citing financial difficulties as the primary barrier.
Anti-Transgender Legislation Adding to the Crisis
Missouri and Kansas have been at the center of debates over anti-transgender legislation. In recent years, Republican-led legislatures in both states have introduced bills restricting transgender rights, such as limitations on gender-affirming care and bans on participation in sports.
These policies, along with social stigma, create an environment where LGBTQ+ youth feel unsafe, unsupported, and at higher risk for mental health struggles.
What Needs to Change?
LGBTQ+ advocacy groups stress that change is possible through policy shifts, better access to mental health care, and community support. Efforts to make schools, workplaces, and social environments more inclusive can significantly reduce the risks faced by LGBTQ+ youth.
“The more we talk about these issues and push for supportive policies,” Nath said, “the more we can create a safer future for LGBTQ+ youth in Missouri, Kansas, and across the country.”
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