(Photo Credits: International Association for Suicide Prevention [IASP])

Every September 10, the world comes together for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD)—a day first launched in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the World Health Organization. From 2024 to 2026, WSPD’s guiding theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” calling on individuals and communities to engage in open, empathetic conversations and dismantle stigma.

For the LGBTQ+ community—and gay men in particular—this day is more than symbolic.

In the United States, LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly youth and transgender people—face alarmingly elevated risks of suicide, driven not by inherent identity, but by pervasive stigma, discrimination, social isolation, and lack of affirming care. According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 national survey, 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary youth, with over 12% reporting actual attempts, and half unable to access needed mental health care. Moreover, CDC data from 2023 show that transgender and questioning students attempted suicide at a rate of 26%, compared to just 5% of cisgender males, and nearly half seriously considered suicide. These statistics underscore the urgency of targeted, affirming support as a central component of suicide prevention.

Meanwhile, the latest UK statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) include data by sexual orientation for the first time, and the results are stark. From March 2021 to December 2023, LGB+ adults in England and Wales faced over twice the risk of suicide and self-harm compared to their heterosexual peers: suicide — 50.3 vs 23.1 per 100,000; self-harm — 1,508.9 vs 598.4 per 100,000. This isn’t abstract—it’s a reality rooted in everyday prejudice and lack of safe spaces. Read more here and here.

Samaritans called the data a “critical wake-up call,” underscoring that government action is urgently required to break down systemic barriers in mental health care. Supporting that point, the 2025 WSPD message gives us tangible steps: listen without judgement, reach out with compassionate words, and prioritize access to inclusive crisis services.

Gay men often face unique anxiety—coming to terms with identity can be a quiet struggle in unsupportive environments. Isolation, fears of rejection, and attempts to “fit in” invisibly add emotional weight. So how do we help dismantle these pressures?

First, open conversations matter. Just talking about being queer shouldn’t spark fear—it should spark understanding. Second, visibility and validation are powerful. Supporting organizations like The Trevor Project or local LGBTQ+ mental health groups sends a clear message: you are seen, you matter. Third, normalizing mental health conversations within queer spaces helps dismantle shame.

Let us all remember Samaritans’ campaign urging intervention and empathy: “Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted… take action, interrupt their thoughts and show them you care.”

WSPD 2025 invites us to go beyond awareness—this is a call to action. Let’s be the voices of change. Let’s show up for LGBTQ+ communities, especially gay men, with compassion, visibility, and unwavering support. By changing the narrative on suicide, we shift the cultural story—from one of despair to one of connection, hope, and inclusion.

Where to Get Help

If you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line  by texting TALK to 741741. You may also click here or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for more resources.

The suicide action phone numbers for other countries are:

US – Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 Available 24/7

For the LGBT youth under 24, call TrevorLifeline—a crisis intervention and suicide prevention phone service available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386

TrevorChat: Phone hotline (1-866-4-U-TREVOR), or text (available on Fridays 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET – text the word “Trevor” to 1-202-304-1200).

TrevorChat is available from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm ET daily. Click this Time zone converter.

Canada – Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366 Available 24/7

Crisis Centre

Helpline 1: 604-872-3311 (Greater Vancouver)

Helpline 2: 18666613311 (Toll free-Howe Sound/Sunshine Coast)

Helpline 3: 1-866-872-0113 (TTY)

Helpline 4: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) (BC-wide)

Website: WWW.CRISISCENTRE.BC.CA

Within Ottawa: 613.722.6914

Outside Ottawa: 1.866.996.0991

Association québécoise de prévention du suicide: 1-866-APPELLE (1-866-277-3553)

Also, check out http://suicideprevention.ca/ for educational materials and resources. You can also find local crisis centers through this link: http://suicideprevention.ca/need-help/

Australia – For crisis or suicide prevention support for LGBTQI in Australia, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au/gethelp. Click here for other support services within Australia.

Singapore – Oogachaga WhatsApp – 8592 0609 (Tue, Wed, Thu: 7pm-10pm; Sat: 2pm-5pm)

Oogachaga face to face counselling – make an appointment

Email counselling: [email protected] [daily]

Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) 24-hour suicide prevention hotline – 1-767

Philippines – Natasha Goulbourn Foundation +638892217; 02-8804-4673; 0918-873-4673; 0917-558-4673; email: [email protected]

For the other countries including those in Asia and Europe, click here.

For Adam4Adam users from other parts of the world not mentioned above, you may click this, this, and this.

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