New Study Finds That One Third of Gay Youth Have Attempted Suicide

A new report from the Williams Institute found that a staggering 30 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual young adults ages 18 to 25 have attempted suicide at least once.

The findings reveal an alarming trend previously reported by the CDC, which shows that gay and bisexual youths are almost five times as likely to attempt to commit suicide as their heterosexual peers.

Members of the Institute, a public policy research institute focused on sexual orientation and gender identities issues at UCLA Law, had some choice words regarding their findings.

"We had really expected it would be better for the younger group," said lead contributor Ilan H. Meyer, a senior member of the Williams Institute. "But at the same time, we knew data from other studies has shown LGB youth do a lot worse than straight youth – and not much better now than in earlier times."

According to NBC, Meyer and fellow researchers surveyed 1,518 people who identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual. The participants were split into three groups: the "Pride" generation, those born from 1956 to 1963; the "Visibility" generation, born from 1974 to 1981; and the "Equality" generation, born from 1990 to 1997.

Meyer was quick to note that youth are coming out to their families younger than ever before, increasing certain risk factors compared to earlier generations.

"[Coming out younger] can be a positive, of course," Meyer said. "But it can also backfire and expose you to a lot of harassment and victimization. You might not be prepared for the consequences."

Another study released last year by The Trevlor Project found that 40 percent of LGBTQ individuals between ages 13 to 24 had seriously considered attempting suicide over that previous 12 months.