October is LGBT History Month, and many people and organizations are calling attention to LGBTQ bullying prevention and how we can make a difference in the lives of our youth.

According to recent studies...

7 out of 10 lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students experience harassment at school, and over 60% of LGBTQ students who did report a bullying case said their school staff did nothing.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 — and LGBTQ youth are at significantly increased risk.
LGBTQ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers.
45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.
Having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ young people by 40 percent.

Social support and acceptance from adults and peers is life-changing. These youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society. As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, especially to the marginalized.

If you would like resources, more information, or local organizations with which to volunteer, please contact Jordyn. Find more about suicide statistics and key protective factors at The Trevor Project.