SALT LAKE CITY - Members of Utah's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning community are at a much greater suicide risk than any other identifiable group. Using a 2019 Utah study on health issues - which for the first time included gender identity and sexual orientation - the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition has developed an LGBTQ Strategic Suicide Prevention Plan.

The coalition found that gay, lesbian and bisexual Utahns have higher rates of mental-health concerns, due in part to discrimination and a lack of acceptance by some. Ray Bailey, who co-chairs the coalition's work group, said it was clear the group needed special attention.
"We saw a gap in suicide prevention and thought there were ways that we could apply the state plan," said Bailey. "And really get at some of the reasons why the LGBTQ community has higher risk of suicide than others in the state."

Bailey said while the overall suicide rate in Utah is among the highest in the country, studies show that LGBTQ adults are twice as likely than the general population to attempt suicide.

According to Bailey, the plan focuses on better messaging to and about the LGBTQ community, access to specialized mental health care, teaching coping and problem-solving skills, helping individuals reconnect with families and community, and reducing access to lethal means of taking a life.

"We wanted to create a plan that offered some really actionable items and ways to address where there might be gaps in the services provided to LGBTQ folks," said Bailey.

Bailey added the coalition is also developing programs to support the survivors of suicide loss.

"There are limited services for LGBTQ people in Utah," said Bailey. "So, I think if we can have a more comprehensive plan and show what we're doing, then we can get more attention and support for the work that we're doing."

Bailey hopes the plan will be used by Utah social service agencies to develop their own programs, and by elected officials in crafting policy initiatives to better serve this population.


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Opening arguments begin today in a lawsuit challenging North Dakota's ban on gender-affirming care for trans youth.

The case stems from a law change the state legislature approved in 2023, mirroring action in other conservative-led states.

With some exceptions, the ban brings criminal penalties against doctors if they provide care, like puberty blockers, to transgender people under the age of 18.

Brittany Stewart senior staff attorney with the legal non-profit Gender Justice, which represents the plaintiffs. She said these laws prevent families from seeking critical healthcare for their child.

"Young people who are dealing with gender dysphoria, which is a legitimate medical condition recognized by all the medical associations," said Stewart, "this is the care that helps alleviate symptoms, and those symptoms include extreme anxiety and depression."

Her organization reports families having to drive up to seven hours for doctor appointments.

Republicans behind the ban argue they're trying to protect children, noting young people aren't mature enough for these decisions.

But ban opponents say parents and doctors are heavily involved in discussing the lengthy process, and that gender-affirming surgery is rare for minors.

A separate legal challenge out of Tennessee is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. And Stewart noted that the courts have frowned on similar laws in a neighboring state.

"The Montana Supreme Court just upheld the injunction that is halting their gender-affirming care ban," said Stewart. "And they did find that the ban violated that individual right to personal autonomy."

Testimony in the North Dakota trial is expected to last a little more than a week. Since it's a bench trial with no jury, Stewart said it'll likely take several months for the judge to decide the outcome.

Meanwhile, an opinion in the U.S. Supreme Court case is expected this summer.




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Advocates for the LGBTQ+ community want Connecticut lawmakers to consider bills that would help address a variety of this community's needs. They include legislation to ensure LGBTQ+ seniors in long-term care facilities aren't discriminated against, and expanding protections under no-fault eviction legislation.

William Ollayos, administrator with the LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network, noted that the group is also looking for funding to update a needs assessment that was first done in 2021.

"Something like that should be reciprocal and done every couple of years, because community needs change. If you're talking about any marginalized community - queer folks, people of color, immigrants - their needs are going to change year to year. And especially after COVID, we just really need that updated data to inform some of the additional legislation we're talking about," he said.

The current needs assessment finds 69% of people in this community have experienced discrimination. Ollayos said other issues legislators should work on include safe school initiatives that preventing queer kids from being bullied, and mental health care.

While the General Assembly's LGBTQ+ Caucus has grown, competing priorities are expected to be a challenge to passing these bills.

Matthew Blinstrubas, executive director of Equality Connecticut, predicts President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration and Congress' Republican majority will harm the work they're doing.

"We are always concerned about the federal government maintaining its support for medical services, keeping our schools safe and welcoming, and making sure that our community is not used as a political tool to hold funding hostage," he said.


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A California nonprofit dedicated to helping transgender and gender-nonconforming people find good jobs is looking to expand its mission in 2025, back from the brink of closure last year.

Trans Can Work, based in Los Angeles, shut down last January when its funding fell through and reopened in June thanks to a 3-year grant from the James Irvine Foundation.

Toni Newman, board chair of the group, said the trans community suffers from extremely high rates of unemployment.

"Every American, regardless of who they are -- race, age, and gender -- should be able to get a job in America that they're qualified for and have some type of economic security," Newman contended. "Why are our numbers so high, at 65% living at the poverty level or below? Just because we are different? That's un-American, and it's wrong."

A 2021 study from the McKinsey company found transgender adults are twice as likely as their cisgender peers to be unemployed. When they do find a job, they make 32% less money per year, even with similar or higher education levels. They also found more than half of transgender employees said they are not comfortable being "out" at work. And two-thirds remain in the closet in professional interactions outside their own companies.

Newman noted the job center's goal for 2025 is to place at least 500 clients in new careers.

"We help you with your resume, help you with your clothing, help you to get ready for the interview, get you a laptop if you need a laptop," Newman outlined. "Then walk you into the interview and help place you in the job."

Trans Can Work also receives support from the Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex Wellness and Health Equity Unit of the California Department of Public Health.