Suicide is the second-leading cause of death during adolescence.
1,2 The most recognized risk factors for suicide and attempted suicide are previous attempts, psychiatric illness, bullying, and childhood abuse and trauma.
3-6 Among these risk factors, sexuality and related issues have been investigated, particularly in connection with abuse and gender identity.
7-9 Gender identity is part of the self-identity that contributes to the full development of an adult human. Even if its roots are in childhood, gender orientation fully expresses itself during adolescence, especially because of the onset of sexual drive. Homosexual, bisexual, and transgender people are generally at higher risk of isolation, exposure to violence, and stigmatization, both self-inflicted and from peers or family members.
10-13 The calculation of the real extent of suicide and attempted suicide during adolescence often stems from research led by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities or focused on bullying within the school context.
14-17 Neither of these situations is appropriate for the precise quantification of suicide among sexual minority youths. Studies within LGBT communities may have incorrect estimations because they are composed of people with higher self-consciousness about their sexual orientation and represent a place of aggregation and support. On the other hand, focusing on bullying may increase quantification because of a biased selection for the implication of an explicit risk factor.