The Relationship Between Firearms Mass Shootings and Suicide Risk among LGBTQ Young People

The Trevor Project’s 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People found that 39% of the respondents had seriously contemplated suicide within the past year and 40% had access to a firearm in their home. Those with firearms in the home had significantly higher rates of suicide attempts. More than 20% of respondents said that they or someone they know had been personally impacted by a mass shooting; 87% reported "frequently worrying" about an incident. Findings indicated a relationship being affected by a mass shooting or knowing someone who was impacted by a mass shooting and risk of considering and attempting suicide. These and other findings emphasize the need for clear messaging regarding securing weapons in the home and more research on these intricate relationships.