Statement | New ONS Data Reveals: LGB+ People Twice as Likely to Self-Harm or Attempt Suicide

New figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) paint a stark picture of what many in our community already know — that being LGB+ in the UK still comes with huge risks to our mental health. According to the ONS, LGB+ people are more than twice as likely to self-harm or attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. 

This isn’t just data. These are people. Our friends, our siblings, our partners, our community. 

Numbers That Speak Volumes 

Here’s what the ONS found: 

• LGB+ people are 2.2 times more likely to have self-harmed
• Gay and bisexual men are 2.5 times more likely to have attempted suicide, particularly men aged 35 and older
• Bisexual women had the highest rates of self-harm, with nearly 1 in 4 (24.5%) saying they’ve self-harmed
• Lesbians are more than 3 times as likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual women. Again, it’s older women who are most at risk
• For young LGB+ people aged 16–24, the risk is even higher: Nearly 1 in 5 (18.6%) have attempted suicide — almost three times that of heterosexual people the same age
• This group is almost four times more likely to have self-harmed.

We all know these numbers didn’t come out of nowhere. Behind them is a world that still treats LGBTQ+ people as ‘less than’. Discrimination, rejection, isolation, fear, bullying, poor mental health services — they all add up. 

We live in a society where LGBTQ+ people are still fighting just to feel safe being themselves. And that pressure builds. Especially for young people, bisexual folks, and those navigating their identity without a support system. 

Ian Howley, CEO, of LGBT HERO reflects on these statistics. He says: "As a suicide survivor, I know how much these stats hurt, because I’ve lived them. But we’re not just figures in a spreadsheet. We’re real people and we’re losing too many of us to suicide.  

“I’m also very concerned about the amount of young people who are self-harming. It’s difficult to see a generation hurting so much. We must and can do more to help younger people.”  

Ian continues, “Also, I think we need to see how alarming the stats are around suicide for older people in our community. We must figure out why this is happening and take action on this. Nobody in our community should feel like suicide is an option for them.  

Ian concludes, “These numbers aren’t just sad, they’re a bloody call to action. I want every person reading these stats to do something. We cannot stand still and think that those in power are going to do anything about these stats. Change in our community has always come from within. It’s up to us to find a solution. 

“One thing I’ll say is a positive, is we now have clear data. A clear path forward. We must do more — all of us — to protect, support and fight for our community. Because no one should ever feel like they have to suffer alone." 

What Needs to Happen Next? 

This data backs up what we’ve been saying for years: mental health support for LGB+ people isn’t a ‘nice-to-have’. It’s essential. 

At LGBT HERO, we’re calling for: 

• More investment in LGB+ specific mental health services

• Education and awareness to tackle stigma, especially in schools and youth settings
  

• Training for healthcare professionals to understand the needs of our community
  

• Safe spaces and peer-led support for those who feel isolated or at risk
  

We won’t stop until every LGBTQ+ person feels seen, heard, and supported. 

Why are Trans+ people not included? 

It’s important to point out that these statistics do not include Trans+ people. The ONS data focused on sexual orientation but did not capture the experiences of people based on gender identity. We understand the limitations of the data, but we cannot ignore what that means: a significant part of our community is being left out of the picture. Trans+ people face some of the most extreme levels of mental health inequality, discrimination, and violence and yet they’re not counted here. That’s not good enough. If we truly want to tackle suicide and self-harm across the LGBTQ+ community, we must push for data that includes all of us, including our Trans+ siblings. We are calling on public health bodies and policymakers to make this a priority in future research. Because every life counts. And you can’t support people you refuse to see. 

Need Support? 

If you’re struggling with your mental health or thoughts of self-harm or suicide, you’re not alone. 

Visit our suicide prevention support hub

Visit our self-harm information hub

Find peer support and counselling 

Join our online support and social groups

Speak to other people in the LGBTQ+ community on our LGBT HERO Forums