Brown presents NYC Youth Risk Behavior Survey mental health disparities
Brown shares 2023 survey data showing suicidal ideation among trans 42%, nonbinary 38%, other gender identity 45%, and questioning 28% students versus 16% cisgender. Suicide attempts were trans 49%, nonbinary 29%, other 33%, questioning 61%, and cisgender 9%.
I would like to share some data points from the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey conducted by the Health Department in 2023 that illustrate the mental health challenges that transgender and non-binary youth in New York experience.
In 2023, public high school students who identified as transgender
42% and non-binary 38%.
8%, some other gender identity at 45% or questioning at 28% were more likely to report suicidal ideation when compared to those identified as cisgender at only 16%.
Those who identified as transgender, 49%, non-binary, 29%, and some other gender identity, 33%, or questioning, at 61%, were more likely to report attempting suicide.
Compared to their cisgender peers, who had a rate of 9% of reporting attempting suicide.
Evidence has shown that when transgender and non-binary youth have access to the gender-affirming care they need, their mental health and overall well-being improve.
Access to gender-affirming care is thus essential health care for the youth who need it.