"Current data shows that suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24 in the nation. Of those who died by suicide, 90 percent had an underlying mental illness Without question, today’s youth have their inner strength challenged daily with the height of social media and the quest for success and acceptance. Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender (LGBT) youth are exposed to even more challenges as they seek understanding, empathy and compassion, and the same acceptance the general population seeks. Socially, the LGBT community continually faces stigma, prejudice and violence that can exert an unimaginable toll to their mental health and well-being. Some LGBT youth lack support and positive, healthy environments that enable them to openly identify as LGBT and achieve mental wellness. Prejudice surrounding the youth LGBT community increases risk factors for, and attempts at, suicide."
