The idea that gender is binary - male or female - has been challenged for decades.
People who identify outside of this binary are experiencing increasing discrimination and violence. This paper explores the link between gender nonconformity and suicidal behavior, which can be life-threatening for many individuals.
Gender nonconformity refers to individuals whose self-identification does not match their assigned sex at birth. These people may feel they do not fit into traditional roles or expectations for men or women.
Someone born biologically male but identifies as feminine could be said to have a gender identity that is nonbinary. Gender nonconformity can lead to serious mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. It also increases the risk of substance abuse, sexual assault, and family conflict.
A study conducted in Sweden found that those who did not identify with their assigned gender had a higher rate of attempted suicide than those who identified as cisgender - meaning they felt their gender matched their biological sex. In fact, 41% of transgender individuals reported attempting suicide, compared to just 3% of cisgender individuals. Another study in Denmark found that transgender youth were more likely to attempt suicide than their cisgender peers.
One possible explanation for these findings is the lack of support and acceptance from society for gender nonconforming individuals. They may face rejection from family members and friends, or struggle to find employment due to prejudice.
They may experience physical or verbal abuse because of their appearance, pronouns, or clothing choices. All of this can lead to feelings of isolation and despair, making them more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.
To reduce suicide rates among gender nonconforming people, we need to create an accepting environment where all genders are respected and valued. This means educating ourselves about gender diversity and being open-minded when interacting with others. We must speak out against discrimination and violence towards anyone who doesn't fit into traditional gender roles.
We should provide access to mental health services for those struggling with their identity or coping with trauma related to it.
What impact does denial of gender identity have on national suicide statistics?
Denying one's gender identity can lead to feelings of isolation, rejection, and marginalization that may contribute to an increased risk of suicidal ideation. Studies suggest that transgender individuals who experience discrimination based on their gender identity are more likely to report having attempted suicide than those who do not (Meyer et al. , 2015).