LGBTQ+ Suicide Crisis in Yucatán: 1 in 3 at Risk

Mérida, Yucatán — The incidence of suicidal ideation or attempts among heterosexual individuals stands at one in 10 people, but within the LGBTQ+ community, the figure is far higher and alarming: one in three individuals experiences suicidal thoughts. This was stated by Rodrigo Moheno, president of the Mexican Federation of Sexual Education and Sexology, who led the presentation of the campaign "Más que palabras" ("More Than Words") yesterday. The campaign will launch this Saturday, May 17, coinciding with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, Lesbophobia, and Biphobia.

A Growing and Overlooked Problem

The initiative aims to emphasize suicide prevention within the LGBTQ+ community, addressing a severe and escalating issue that receives little attention. According to Moheno, data from INEGI (Endiseg 2021) reveals that 28.7% of LGBTQ+ individuals aged 15 and older have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts at some point in their lives—nearly one in three people.

Moheno noted that the leading causes include family and relationship conflicts (57.2%), school-related issues (20.3%), health problems (9.1%), financial struggles (16.6%), discrimination due to sexual orientation or gender identity (14%), and workplace difficulties (7%). Additionally, he cited a 2024 study on suicide within the LGBTQ+ community, which found an alarming rise in cases. A staggering 53% of respondents reported considering suicide due to factors such as familial rejection, violence, discrimination, and academic challenges.

The same study found that after a suicide attempt, 58% of individuals did not disclose it to anyone, only 16% sought therapy, a mere 11% received psychiatric care, and just 15% received support from close acquaintances. Despite these findings, the issue remains largely ignored by authorities.

A Call for Support and Awareness

Moheno stressed the urgent need for targeted support for this vulnerable population, prompting the creation of the national campaign "Más que palabras." The initiative seeks to humanize the statistics by highlighting real-life stories and reinforcing that these individuals deserve to live, receive support, and exist in a more inclusive world.

Short Film "Más que palabras" Sparks Reflection

The campaign will launch with a two-and-a-half-minute short film, also titled "Más que palabras," directed by Gerard Mates. The film urges society to recognize a problem far more common than many realize. At the end of the video, two QR codes will direct viewers to resources: one links to a 24/7 confidential support program for those experiencing anxiety, fear, or self-harm ideation, while the other connects users to professional sexual health counseling.

Moheno, who also serves as general director of México Vivo, acknowledged that while there is no state-by-state breakdown of suicidal ideation or attempts among LGBTQ+ individuals, rates are notably higher in more conservative regions. He specified that suicide attempts and ideation among LGBTQ+ adolescents are most prevalent in southern Mexico, including Yucatán, Campeche, Tabasco, Chiapas, and Oaxaca.

Gerard Mates, the film’s director, described the current climate as turbulent, marked by increasing hostility toward those who do not conform to conservative norms. He emphasized that the film avoids sensationalism, instead portraying the issue through everyday experiences to foster empathy and dialogue.

"This is a story to denounce this reality, to invite understanding, to open the door to empathy, dialogue, and action—so those outside the community look inward, and those inside know they are not alone," Mates said.

The campaign is a collaborative effort with multiple organizations, including El Armario Abierto, Gilead Sciences México, the United Nations Population Fund, the World Association for Sexual Health, Catatonia, Grey, Fundación México Vivo, the Embassy of Spain in Mexico, the International Association of Families for Sexual Diversity, Femess, The Trevor Project, and the Diversity Commission of Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies.

The short film will be available on Femess’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/femess.mx.