artificial insemination kit for humans
A recent study by the Trevor Project emphasizes the critical necessity of acceptance for intersex youths, revealing alarming statistics about their mental health. The report indicates that 48% of LGBTQIA+ intersex youths contemplated suicide within the last year, underscoring the urgent need for inclusivity and support.
Suicide stands as the second leading cause of death among young individuals, with LGBTQIA+ youths being four times more likely to consider or attempt suicide compared to their straight, cisgender counterparts. However, the findings show that intersex youths experience an even higher risk, with nearly 19% reporting suicide attempts in the past year, in contrast to 14% of LGBTQ youths who do not identify as intersex.
The Trevor Project conducted a survey involving over 1,000 intersex individuals aged 13 to 24 as part of its 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. While Planned Parenthood estimates that 1 to 2 in every 100 people born in the U.S. are intersex, it is the younger members of this demographic who are particularly vulnerable, often facing mistreatment from peers, family, and medical professionals. These experiences frequently involve pressure to undergo surgeries or treatments that enforce a binary understanding of gender.
The report highlights that 48% of intersex youths seriously considered suicide in the past year, compared to 41% of their non-intersex LGBTQ peers. Among intersex youths aged 13 to 17, nearly 24% reported a suicide attempt within the same timeframe, while 14% of those aged 18 to 24 did the same.
Factors contributing to these mental health challenges include unnecessary medical interventions, societal pressure to conform to a specific gender identity, discrimination, and issues such as housing instability and food insecurity. “The mental health challenges among intersex youth are alarmingly high,” stated Sarah Johnson, a senior research analyst at the Trevor Project, in an interview with NBC News.
The report also identifies acceptance as a powerful remedy to these distressing statistics. “It’s crucial to recognize that intersex youths are more than their biological characteristics,” Johnson explained. “By acknowledging them as individuals, we can shift the focus from a medicalized perspective to one that values their humanity.”
Intersex youths who have at least one accepting parent are 55% less likely to attempt suicide, with even greater odds for those surrounded by a supportive community. The report calls for comprehensive policy changes, including gender-neutral restrooms, inclusive sex education, and equitable sports programs, to foster true inclusion. Ultimately, the message must be clear: “We see you, we recognize your existence, and we embrace you as you are.” This is especially vital for intersex youths who often face barriers to living authentically, a struggle that begins at birth.
For those interested in further information, check out this blog post about home insemination, as well as resources on pregnancy from Kindbody.
Summary:
The Trevor Project’s recent report reveals that a significant percentage of intersex youths face severe mental health challenges, with many contemplating or attempting suicide due to lack of acceptance and support. Emphasizing the importance of understanding intersex individuals beyond their biological differences, the report advocates for greater inclusivity and policy changes to improve their well-being.