EDUCATION. AWARNESS. ACTION. HOPE.
Building awareness, strengthening community care, and
empowering people to act when it matters most.
LGBTQ SAVES is committed to creating safe & brave spaces for LGBTQ+ youth and families. Suicide prevention starts with education, connection, and compassion.
By learning the signs, talking openly, and building supportive communities, we can save lives.
This page exists to share information, tools, and training opportunities that empower people to recognize risk, respond with care, and take action.
WHY SUICIDE AWARENESS MATTERS
FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH
4X HIGHER
RISK
45%
SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED SUICIDE
TRANS & ENBY
YOUTH AT HIGHEST RISK
1 SUPPORTIVE
ADULT CAN CUT RISK IN HALF
LGBTQ+ youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year.
Transgender and nonbinary youth experience the highest rates of risk.
Just one affirming adult can significantly reduce suicide risk.
Trevor Project | CDC | AFSP
LGBTQ+ youth face significantly higher risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation due to stigma, isolation, discrimination, and lack of affirming support.
Suicide prevention is not just crisis response.
It is community care, connection, and early intervention.
When communities are informed, compassionate, and prepared, we create environments
where young people feel seen, valued, and supported.
COMMON WARNING SIGNS
EMOTIONAL
SIGNS
-
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
-
Feeling like a burden
-
Extreme mood changes
-
Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
BEHAVIORAL
SIGNS
-
Withdrawing from friends or activities
-
Giving away possessions
-
Increased substance use
-
Sudden calm after distress
-
Changes in sleep or eating patterns
VERBAL
SIGNS
-
“Everyone would be better off without me.”
-
“I don’t want to be here anymore.”
-
“I just want it to stop.”
-
Talking about death, dying, or disappearing
IF YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT SOMEONE
Recognize
Pay attention to warning signs and changes in behavior.
Ask
Ask directly and compassionately: “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
Listen
Stay present. Validate their feelings without judgment.
Connect
Help connect them to trusted support and professional help.
PROTECTIVE FACTORS
SUPPORTIVE FAMILY & CAREGIVERS
SAFE SCHOOLS & COMMUNITY SPACES
AFFIRMING PEERS & MENTORS
FEELING SEEN, HEARD, & VALUED
ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE
STRONG
SENSE OF
BELONGING
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.
You can also contact:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
Trevor Project Lifeline (LGBTQ+ Youth) – Call 866-488-7386 or text START to 678678
You are not alone. Help is always available.