Santos, M., Zempsky, W. T., & Shmerling, J. (2024).
JAMA.
The care of transgender and nonbinary youth (aged 18 years or younger) has been scrutinized and politicized, heightening stress for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth. These external forces have led to increased mental health concerns for this group. The statistics for LGBTQ+ youth from the Trevor Project’s 2023 US National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People,1 which included more than 28 000 respondents, is startling: more than 40% of respondents considered attempting suicide over the past year, less than 40% reported their homes to be LGBTQ+ affirming, and 53% reported verbal harassment at school. In addition, 67% and 54% of respondents reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. The statistics focused specifically on transgender and nonbinary youth are even more disheartening: more than 50% of respondents considered suicide over the past year and 75% and 60% reported increased symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. Notably, more than half of LGBTQ+ youth who wanted counseling from a mental health professional did not receive it.
Here is my summary:
The care of transgender and nonbinary youth has become a highly politicized and scrutinized issue, leading to increased stress and mental health concerns for this vulnerable population. Recent statistics from the Trevor Project's 2023 US National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People reveal alarming rates of suicide ideation, anxiety, and depression among LGBTQ+ youth, with even higher rates among transgender and nonbinary individuals. Despite the controversy surrounding gender-affirming care, major medical organizations and research confirm its lifesaving necessity.
Children's hospitals are uniquely positioned to make a positive impact on the lives of transgender and nonbinary youth and their families. However, simply offering statements of support is no longer sufficient. Families are fearful about accessing care, particularly in states that have banned gender-affirming services. Children's hospitals must take action to counteract the harm caused by this cultural war. This includes establishing resource centers to connect families with care, providing evidence-based education to counter misinformation, increasing care capacity to reduce waiting lists, ensuring safety and support for LGBTQ+ healthcare workers, and convening legal experts to protect staff and maintain care access.
By taking these steps, children's hospitals can help address the medical and psychological needs of transgender and nonbinary youth, ultimately saving lives. The article concludes with a call to action, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to support vulnerable families and healthcare workers. As the situation remains critical, with a transgender youth attempting suicide every few minutes, it is imperative that children's hospitals take immediate action to provide comprehensive support and care.
