Trans youth at higher risk of suicide, says study

Transgender youth are at high risk of suicide and serious depression, according to a new survey.

Michelle and son Leon, who told his parents that he wanted to transition to a male two years ago.

Transgender youth are at high risk of suicide and about 10 times more likely than other young Australians to suffer serious depression and anxiety, a survey shows.

A Trans Pathways survey has found that almost one in every two trans youth respondents — aged between 14 and 25 — said they had attempted suicide, compared with one in 40 young people in the general population.

Almost 80 per cent of inter­viewees had self-harmed at some point, compared with one in 12 young people in the general population. Peer rejection was felt by 89  per cent, bullying by 74 per cent and 22 per cent had been homeless or lacked suitable accommodation.

The research results, released today by Telethon Kids Institute in Perth, was led by youth mental health researchers Ashleigh Lin and Penelope Strauss.

“It highlights that gender-­diverse young people are vulnerable,” Dr Lin said. “The greatest risk lies in the period before a young person comes forward to disclose their gender issues.”

She said many trans youth said when they contacted a GP or psychologist, they felt the experts were unsympathetic or simply did not know what to do.

“The young people need to be heard, and our health services are not ­adequate,” she said.

Perth high-school student Leon, now 16, told his parents he wanted to transition to a male two years ago. Although almost 66 per cent of trans youth reported a lack of family support, Leon said he ­received support from his parents and his high-school psychologist.

Leon’s mother Michelle said the medical experts they consulted were unable to provide up-to-date information on the experiences of young transgender Australians.

“What’s great about this ­research is it’s about the current generation and it will enable clinicians to better answer parents’ questions,’’ she said.

Leon’s father David said the worst period was over six months when Leon “was a closed shop and had built a wall around himself”.

“Now most of the time, we have returned to having a wonderful child,” he said.

In northern NSW, two senior high school students born female but who identify as male will be allowed to wear boys’ uniforms, use unisex toilets and change their names on the school roll.

Lismore’s Trinity Catholic College is also considering a “gender neutral uniform” for all students.

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide call Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), or see a doctor.