High Suicidality Rates Among LGB+ Youth in Japan: Demographic and Psychosocial Correlates

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders has shed light on the alarming rates of suicidality among lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, asexual, and questioning (LGB+) youth in Japan. The study, conducted by researchers from Nagoya City University, analyzed data from a 2024 national cross-sectional online survey involving 3,380 cisgender LGB+ individuals aged 15-25 years. The findings highlight the need for targeted suicide prevention policies focusing on anti-harassment measures, LGB+-affirming rural support services, and homelessness prevention.

Key Takeaways:

  • 30.6% of the participants reported suicidal ideation, and 8.3% reported suicide attempts in the past 12 months.
  • Bisexual and heterosexual-identifying participants had lower odds of experiencing suicidal ideation compared to their gay-identifying peers.
  • Cisgender women showed higher odds of suicidal ideation than cisgender men.
  • Living in rural or remote areas, experiencing verbal, physical or sexual harassment, or being socially excluded based on sexuality or gender identity, and homelessness were all associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation.
  • Cisgender women had higher odds of a suicide attempt compared to cisgender men.
  • Harassment and social exclusion based on sexuality or gender identity, and recent homelessness were strongly associated with higher odds of suicide attempts.

Statistics:

  • 30.6% of the participants reported suicidal ideation within the past 12 months.
  • 8.3% of the participants reported suicide attempts within the past 12 months.
  • 30.6% of the participants identified as bisexual or heterosexual.
  • 70.4% of the participants identified as gay or another non-binary identity.
  • Cisgender women showed a 23% higher odds of experiencing suicidal ideation.
  • Cisgender women had a 42% higher odds of a suicide attempt.

Sources:

  • High Suicidality Rates Among Lgb Plus Youth In Japan: Demographic and Psychosocial Correlates. Journal of Affective Disorders, 2025;387.
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI)
  • Nagoya City University, School of Medicine
  • Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands