Understanding the Suicide Crisis Among LGBTQ+ Youth
Suicide is a public health concern that claims lives daily, as highlighted by the Trevor Project’s 2024 LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health Survey, where over half of the respondents (53%) reported contemplating suicide.
- More than half of the LGBTQ+ population has considered suicide, with reasons varying from family rejection and discrimination (53%) to school-related issues (47%) and health concerns (21%).
- After a suicide attempt, 58% of individuals did not disclose their attempt to anyone, and only 16% sought therapy. Support from close ones was limited, with just 15%, and professional help was sought by only 11%.
Rodrigo Moheno’s Initiative: “Más que palabras”
Rodrigo Moheno, president of the Mexican Federation for Sex Education and Sexology (FEMESS), launched the short film “Más que palabras” on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Lesbophobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) to spark dialogue on suicide prevention within the LGBTQ+ community.
According to INEGI’s ENDISEG 2021 data, 28.7% of LGBTQI+ individuals aged 15 and above have had suicidal thoughts or attempts at some point in their lives. Key causes include family and relationship issues (57.2%), school problems (20.3%), health concerns (9.1%), economic issues (16.6%), and problems related to sexual orientation or gender identity (14%).
About the Documentary
Moheno explains that “Más que palabras” invites viewers to reflect on the real stories behind statistics, emphasizing the need for safe spaces and effective suicide prevention strategies. The campaign aims to give a voice to those in need and encourage reflection on what can be done at home.
The documentary was created with support from organizations such as El Armario Abierto, Gilead Sciences México, the United Nations Population Fund, the World Association for Sexual Health, Catatonia, Grey, México Vivo Foundation, the Spanish Embassy in Mexico, the International Association of Families for Sexual Diversity, FEMESS, and The Trevor Project.
Gerard Mates on the Current Climate
In a press conference, Gerard Mates, the documentary’s creator, stated that we live in turbulent times where hate is increasingly present. He emphasized the importance of such campaigns to address growing rejection towards those not fitting conservative norms, which puts them at constant risk.
Mates explained that the campaign was crucial due to the rising number of suicide attempts among friends, acquaintances, and family members. He stressed the need for visibility and action, targeting those less aware of the issues.
The Short Film: Reaching a Wider Audience
The short film, two and a half minutes long, aims to reach those outside the LGBTQ+ community. It avoids being alarmist or sensationalist, instead focusing on everyday language to engage and draw people into the conversation.
The film will be released on May 17, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Lesbophobia, and Biphobia. The campaign uses hashtags #ElPoderDeLasComunidades, #IDAHOBIT2025, and #Másquepalabras. More information can be found on FEMESS’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
The campaign concludes with two free lifeline resources: a specialized suicide hotline and a 24/7 confidential chat space for health concerns.
