The Mental Health Effects of Anti-LGBTQ+ Media

A new study by Vanderbilt University in Nashville has found that exposure to anti-LGBTQ+ media increases suicidal ideation among young adults. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, was conducted on 31 young queer adults. It took place over a 28 consecutive day period, asking each participant three times per day what their exposure to media was like and then their feelings of active versus passive suicidal ideation on a scale of 1-10. The media exposure was measured in three options: no media, generally negative/neutral media, or anti-LGBTQ+ media.

The participants reported that their suicidal ideation would increase slightly a few hours after being exposed to anti-LGBTQ+ media. This trend did not replicate for normal negative/neutral news media. It is nearly impossible to avoid anti-LGBTQ+ media, especially with the election on the horizon. Even if these trends are not reflective of every case worldwide, it does provide a glimpse into our current social and political climate. There is no denying that queer rights are under attack. Queer people across the U.S. are frightened.

LGBTQ+ youth are often used as pawns, as laws that restrict the ability for queer youth to live the lives they need are being passed left and right. Dr Ronita Nath, vice president of research at the Trevor Project stated “On top of a growing mental health crisis among the nation’s youth, we’re also negotiating an increasingly hostile political climate that has tragically placed LGBTQ young people at the center of a political wedge issue, which is having a detrimental toll on their mental health.” The study’s definition of news also included social media, which has recently become a breeding ground for hate speech, despite bans, and terms and conditions.

The Trevor Project ran a similar study in 2023, and found the same results. They also found that when given a supportive home and community, suicidal ideation for LGBTQ+ youth was much lower. In that, they found that gender affirming clothing, shapewear, bathroom access, and being called the correct pronouns all assisted in better mental health conditions as well. It is no wonder that this is the case. Safe spaces are opportunities for growth. Hostile spaces lead to loss of life.

If you are feeling suicidal or having concerning thoughts, please call the Trans Lifeline at 1-877-565-8860. It is meant for trans people and is staffed by trans people as well. The Trevor Project also hosts a line for queer youth to safely talk at 1-866-488-7386.