Suicide-Related Outcomes in a Cross-Sectional, National Sample of Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive Black, Indigenous, and Other People of Color

Although high rates of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation are documented among transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive (TNGE) Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), research regarding the age of onset of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) is limited. This exploratory study aimed to examine the age of onset of STBs and significant differences across demographic characteristics. A sample of 110 TNGE BIPOC who endorsed past-year suicidal ideation was assessed via a national cross-sectional survey. Analysis of variance, nonparametric chi-square, and independent t tests were conducted to compare clinical characteristics across racial-ethnic groups, region, disability status, and sexuality. The majority of participants endorsed lifetime planning (75%), lifetime attempt (60%), and past-month ideation (76.36%). The average age of onset for suicidal ideation and suicide planning/attempt was 12.6 and ∼15 years, respectively. Significant differences were present in age of onset, lifetime planning, and lifetime attempt variables across groups. Suicide prevention for TNGE BIPOC is an urgent concern in the area of pediatric psychology. Intersectional differences should be considered in future research, particularly in examining the developmental trajectories of suicide risk. Replicating this design with a representative sample is warranted to further assess the prevalence of key STBs.