A groundbreaking study published in Nature Human Behaviour has revealed a disturbing link between anti-transgender legislation and suicide attempts among transgender and nonbinary teens. The study, released on Thursday, reports that suicide attempts among transgender teens surged by up to 72% in states where anti-trans laws were enacted.
The study examined data from 2018 to 2022, a period when 48 anti-transgender laws became law across 19 U.S. states. These laws, which restrict access to gender-affirming healthcare, bathroom access, and sports participation, have become increasingly common. In 2024 alone, 658 anti-trans bills were introduced, tripling the number from the previous year, according to the Trans Legislation Tracker.
Researchers analyzed responses from 61,240 LGBTQ+ individuals aged 13 to 24 from all 50 states, focusing on transgender and nonbinary teens. The study found that suicide attempts did not rise significantly while the bills were under debate. However, once the bills became law, there was a statistically significant increase in self-reported suicide attempts among young people in affected states, particularly those aged 13 to 17.
“We’ve long suspected that anti-trans policies harm mental health, but this study provides the first definitive link,” said Dr. Ronita Nath, co-author and vice president of research at the Trevor Project. “This is a breakthrough in understanding how legislation can directly impact the lives and mental health of trans and nonbinary youth.”
Experts suggest that the negative effects of these laws may stem from societal rejection, heightened minority stress, and a loss of access to vital gender-affirming care. Transgender and nonbinary youth already face an elevated risk of suicide compared to their peers, and these laws exacerbate that risk.
The study’s findings highlight the urgent need for protective, affirming policies. “These laws don’t just affect policy—they’re a matter of life and death for young trans people,” Nath concluded. Mental health professionals agree that inclusive legislation is crucial to supporting the well-being of transgender youth.
As the debate around transgender rights intensifies, the mental health crisis among affected teens serves as a stark reminder of the human impact behind political decisions.
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