LGBTIQ+ SB young people experience a higher burden of poor mental health and suicidality than the general population. Within this community trans and gender diverse young people are disproportionately impacted due to high rates of discrimination, abuse, bullying and harassment leading to isolation and loneliness combined with a lack of appropriate health care and support services to meet their unique needs. The “Trans Pathways 2017” study, which is the largest survey examining the mental health of trans and gender diverse young people in Australia, and Beyond Urgent: National LGBTIQ+ Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Strategy, reports that trans and gender diverse young people aged 14-25 years:

• Are fifteen times more likely to attempt suicide then their cis-gendered counterparts
• 79.7% reported having self-harmed in their lifetime
• 90.2% reported experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress
• 60% feel isolated from medical and mental health services
• 42% have experienced a service provider who did not respect their gender

Despite the higher prevalence of poor mental health and suicidality, trans and gender diverse people experience sub-optimal access to mental health assessment, treatment and support. The Beyond Urgent report found that LGBTIQ+ people seek access to LGBTIQ+ specialist and inclusive mental health care and community controlled LGBTIQ+ organisations have substantial expertise in providing that care but are not currently funded to provide those services at scale.