Intersectional Minority Stress and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Black Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

Black sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) face significant disparities in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Minority Stress Theory (MST) posits that the minoritized social statuses of sexual and gender minority individuals increases experiences of discrimination and victimization, which may increase poor mental health and lead to suicide. Such experiences are further complicated for racial and ethnic minority individuals who hold multiple marginalized positions and thus experience intersectional minority stress. Little research has examined how Black SGMY experience intersectional minority stressors and how these experiences impact suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In this phenomenological study, we explored experiences of minority stress at the intersection of race and sexual and/or gender identity and examined how such experiences can contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We conducted in-depth interviews with 22 Black SGMY ages 16-24 in Milwaukee, WI. We identified five themes surrounding the compounding minority stressors Black SGMY faced that contributed to poor mental health and suicidal thoughts and behaviors: (1) the journey of self-acceptance; (2) familial rejection; (3) societal marginalization; and (4) suicidal thoughts and behaviors as an escape from oppression. Our findings suggest effective suicide prevention strategies for Black SGMY should move beyond universal models and incorporate culturally responsive and identity-affirming strategies. In addition, peer-led support and community-based programming may be important avenues for affirming and protecting the lives of Black SGMY.