Trans and Bi Californians face higher rates of suicide thoughts and psychological distress, UCLA study finds

A new UCLA study highlights significant differences in mental health needs within California’s LGBTQ+ community, revealing that transgender and bisexual adults experience higher rates of serious suicidal thoughts and psychological distress than other LGBTQ+ adults.

Researchers from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR) analyzed data from the 2023 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) and found that LGBTQ+ adults overall were nearly three times as likely as non-LGBTQ+ adults (48% vs. 17%) to have seriously considered suicide at some point in their lives. The rates were even higher among transgender adults (64%) and bisexual adults (55%), compared to cisgender gay or lesbian adults (35%) and cisgender bisexual men (36%).

The study also found that nearly half of LGBTQ+ adults (49%) experienced moderate or serious psychological distress in the past year. Among subgroups, 66% of transgender adults, 61% of bisexual adults, and 55% of cisgender lesbian or bisexual women reported significant distress.

“While many people know that LGBTQ+ adults are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts and mental health challenges, our report shows the variation within the community,” said Imelda Padilla-Frausto, research scientist at UCLA CHPR and lead author of the study.

California, home to the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ population, had an estimated 2.2 million adults identifying as LGBT in 2023 – roughly 10% of the state’s adult population. Cisgender lesbian and bisexual women (44%) and cisgender gay and bisexual men (41%) were the largest groups, followed by transgender adults (15%).

Despite California’s progressive reputation, LGBTQ+ individuals face persistent stigma, discrimination, violence, and barriers to care, including difficulties accessing mental health services. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of LGBTQ+ adults reported needing mental health care in the past year – more than double the rate of non-LGBTQ+ adults (30%).

The study highlighted a gap between mental health needs and care received. Among LGBTQ+ adults experiencing moderate or serious distress but not perceiving a need for care, 81% had not seen a mental health professional or primary care physician in the past year.

Suicidal ideation also varied by age. Younger adults were most affected, with 59% of LGBTQ+ adults ages 18–24 and 55% ages 25–34 reporting lifetime serious thoughts of suicide. Rates were lower but still elevated among older adults: 32% of those 50–64 and 24% of those 65 and older. Older LGBTQ+ adults were nearly 2.5 times more likely than non-LGBTQ+ peers to report having seriously considered suicide.

The report recommends expanding research on transgender and bisexual mental health, implementing routine screenings for suicidal thoughts and distress, and developing policies to better tailor care to the needs of these populations.

“This study can serve as a catalyst for better-informed policies,” Padilla-Frausto said. “Data like this help lawmakers and service providers address the distinct mental health challenges faced by diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly transgender and bisexual individuals.”

Key findings from the report showed that:

· 64% of transgender adults and 55% of bisexual adults reported lifetime serious suicidal thoughts, compared to 48% of all LGBTQ+ adults.

· 65% of LGBTQ+ adults had a need for mental health care in the past year, versus 30% of non- LGBTQ+ adults.

· The study emphasizes the need for mental health care and outreach tailored to transgender and bisexual populations.

Read the full UCLA CHPR report here.