Sexuality & Suicide
In Sweden, which is "one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world," are suicide and suicide attempt rates among LGBTs higher, lower, or about the same as heterosexuals?
Correct Answer
At least 4 studies published in medical journals over the past 13 years have found that LGBTs in Sweden have significantly higher suicide and suicide attempt rates than heterosexuals. This holds true after controlling for age, marriage status, HIV status, and socioeconomic status. Contrary to the common claim that the higher suicide rates of LGBTs are due to a lack of societal acceptance, Sweden has been at the forefront of normalizing and celebrating LGBT behaviors. In 1979, Sweden's National Board of Health and Welfare ruled that "homosexuality is no longer a mental disorder," and in 2013, the Swedish government created a webpage declaring that Sweden is "one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world" and that the 2013 "Stockholm Pride parade had an estimated 60,000 participants and 600,000 spectators, one of several signs that LGBT people are a welcomed part of Swedish society."