One Key Factor Raises LGBTQ Teens’ Suicide Risk

Teens who are gay or lesbian but engage in heterosexual sex are at higher risk of a suicide attempt, new research suggests.

“These findings are a wakeup call,” said lead investigator Francis Annor of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

“We need to learn more about why teens who engage in sexual activity that is different than their sexual orientation are more likely to think about or attempt suicide,” Annor added.

Researchers looked at responses from 6,800 U.S. students in grades 9 through 12 who’d become sexually active, according to a CDC survey.