A new study examines trans youth to see who is most at risk for suicide.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/09/new-study-separates-trans-youth-examine-risk-suicide/
I was recently told a story of a 14-year-old CHILD that was kicked out of their home, by their mother, for being trans. She wants to transition from male to female (M2F) and instead of trying to understand, mom promptly kicked her out of the only home she’s ever known.
What does a young teen do in a situation like this? Where are they to go? How do they find sustainable food sources? How do they even consider getting back and forth to school? Where can they get a shower? Hygiene products? Support? Friendship? A hug? Love?
Most end up feeling helpless and hopeless. None of them chose this path. The dysphoria from feeling like you’re in the wrong body, with the wrong body parts is nothing they invented in their own minds.
Compound that with the rejection from family, friends, and the belief that God cannot stand to be in their presence (this is the message trans youth receive from most evangelical churches in America today), it’s no wonder suicide becomes an option for many of the precious children.
How can we reduce the risk these kids face in ending their own life? What role does the church play in creating these hopeless scenarios and what role could the church play in providing hope instead?
The link below is a suicide prevention policy from the Trevor Project. The Trevor Project is an organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQ youth. They created a model policy for schools that I think churches and youth ministries can adapt for their own use.
Click to access District-Policy.pdf
If you are, or you know of an LGBTQIA+ youth that is contemplating suicide, call 1-866-488-7386 right now. Trained crisis workers are waiting to talk to you.
Your life matters!
conversations on the fringe 
September 13, 2018 at 4:16 pm
The church plays a major role and for the worse, sadly. I know people of faith who have been thrown out of their churches, disowned by their families, and abandoned by many friends for coming out. Much of this sadly happens within Christian settings.
I think that affirming churches should play an active role in helping homeless LGBTQ+ individuals in whatever way they can. That includes homeless children.
Highly rejecting churches should honestly examine the damage that such rejection has caused. Such rejection from other Christians drove one friend of mine to self-harm and another friend to the brink of suicide.