How safe spaces save LGBTQ lives and what parents, schools and communities can do to create them

On the third and final episode in our series on child suicide prevention, we discuss the spike in suicidality among our LGBTQIA+ youth, as reported in 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, as well as The Trevor Project. David Rosenthal, DO, PhD, and Helena Roderick, PhD, highlight the many challenges negatively impacting these kids, including minority stress, discrimination and unconscious bias, and how each contributes to this horrifying trend. They share what individuals and community institutions can do to help curb the high rates of suicidal ideation and behaviors.

Podcast transcript

More about the experts:

• David Rosenthal, DO, PhD, is founding medical director for Northwell Health’s Center for Transgender Care and medical director for Northwell’s Center for Young Adult, Adolescent, and Pediatric HIV.
• Helena Roderick, PhD, is senior psychologist for the Center for Transgender Care and the Center for Young Adult, Adolescent, and Pediatric HIV and the Division of Medical Genetics.

Our team launched this series during National Suicide Prevention Month in September to offer parents and caregivers a resource as they navigate this very difficult reality, particularly as children return to school. Listen to the previous episodes in this series:

• Kids in crisis: How to start the conversation about child suicidality featuring Vera Feuer, MD, director of Emergency Psychiatry Services at Cohen Children’s Medical Center
• YourMomCares about how you feel, featuring Sharon Feldstein, co-founder and CEO of YourMomCares, and Robin Paul, member and "Power Mom.

NYS Schools update

Learn more about the 2023 update to New York Schools best practices: Creating a Safe, Supportive, and Affirming School Environment for Transgender and Gender Expansive Students

Resources for families

• The Trevor Project is a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ youth. Reach a counselor 24/7. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text 678-678
• PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Find a support group.
• American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry provides education for families including what to expect when you have to go to the emergency department and how to handle suicidality in children.
• American Academy of Pediatrics provides education on various topics including mental health.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – has local chapters in each state, which offer a wealth of resources to get connected to treatment, support and education.