6, 20, 21 Within this literature, however, evidence suggests that Black and Latino LGB individuals are at increased risk for suicide attempts relative to White LGB individuals. Research evaluating racial/ethnic differences among LGB subpopulations is limited, 5, 6, 15, 19– 21 and much of the work that has been done has involved samples of men 6, 19– 21 or samples in which more than 70% of the respondents are White. 17 Researchers-primarily looking within LGB samples-have described additional risk factors related to minority stress, prejudice, stigma, and discrimination, including gender-atypical behavior, 14, 18 family rejection, 15 and early age of self-labeling. Explanations for disparities in suicide rates between the LGB and heterosexual populations often cite the increased prevalence of such problems, including depression and substance abuse. 5, 6 Lifetime suicide attempt rates in the LGB population range from 10% to 40%, 7– 15 compared with 0.4% to 5.1% 2 in the heterosexual population.Īccording to the minority stress model, 16 the excess prejudice, stigma, and discrimination encountered by sexual minority individuals lead to increased mental health problems in this population and a resulting increased risk of suicide. 1, 2 Members of racial/ethnic minority groups have a lower lifetime risk for mental disorders than do Whites, 3– 5 but, paradoxically, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals of racial/ethnic minority backgrounds may be at an increased risk for suicide attempts relative to Whites. Mood and substance use disorders are known risks for suicide.