Developed by the Suicide Prevention Resource Center in partnership with NORC at the University of Chicago, this resource guide provides comprehensive information for professionals, families, and communities dedicated to promoting mental health and preventing suicide among LGBTQIA2S+ youth aged 10 to 24.

The guide’s development involved a rigorous process, including extensive literature reviews, environmental scans, key informant interviews, and focus groups with LGBTQIA2S+ young adults and their parents. It focuses on actionable strategies, highlights the positive aspects of being LGBTQIA2S+, and emphasizes sources of joy, rather than solely presenting statistics. The document also addresses environmental and systemic factors that increase suicide risk for LGBTQIA2S+ youth, such as discrimination in various settings, political targeting of these communities, housing insecurity, bullying, and substance use. Core principles underlined in the guide include using positive messaging centered on hope and resilience, acknowledging the diverse and complex nature of LGBTQIA2S+ identities, and ensuring LGBTQIA2S+ youth are actively involved in the development of programs and resources.

Additionally, it outlines five key implementation strategies: creating protective and affirming environments, enhancing the competence of professionals, ensuring racially, ethnically, and culturally responsive services, strengthening protective factors while reducing risk factors, and bolstering support for basic needs.