High suicidality rates among LGB+ youth in Japan: Demographic and psychosocial correlates.

PURPOSE

This study examines correlates of suicidal ideation and attempts in the past 12 months among lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, asexual and questioning (LGB+) youth in Japan, where youth suicide rates are among the highest globally.

METHODS

Data were drawn from a 2024 national cross-sectional online survey in Japan, analysing 3380 cisgender LGB+ individuals aged 15-25 years. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify significant correlates regarding suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the past 12 months.

RESULTS

In total, 30.6 % of participants reported suicidal ideation, and 8.3 % reported suicide attempts in the past 12 months. In the multivariable regression analyses, 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.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the need for targeted suicide prevention policies for LGB+ youth in Japan, focusing on anti-harassment measures, LGB+-affirming rural support services, and homelessness prevention. Moreover, these findings highlight the need for LGB+ youth to be explicitly identified as a priority population for suicide prevention in Japan when youth suicide is at record highs.