Utah has suicide rates among LGBT youth that are triple the national average. This is likely due to the lack of religious diversity, anti-LGBT teachings in the Mormon Church, and an ultra-conservative religious environment. Potential solutions include more inclusive teachings in the Mormon Church regarding LGBT individuals, better access to mental healthcare, and targeting Mormon LGBT youth ages 12-21. Implementing these solutions could help LGBT individuals feel safer and more accepted, and lower suicide rates while increasing happiness.

1. Suicide Rates Affecting LGBTYouth In Utah
Keli Clayton
IDS-400 Diversity

2. Utah Suicide Rates areTriple the National Average

4. Possible Causes of High Suicide Rates
Include:

5. • Lack of Religious Diversity

6. • Anti-LGBT Teachings From the Mormon Church

7. • Ultra Conservative Religious Environment

8. Possible Solutions to Reduce Suicide Rates Include:

9. More InclusiveTeachings ByThe Mormon Church
Regarding LGBT Individuals

10. AccessTo Mental Health Professionals
To Support LGBT Individuals in the Mormon Church

11. Target Audience
Mormon LGBTYouth Ages 12-21

12. Outcomes Of Implementing Solutions

13. LGBT Individuals Feeling Safe And Accepted
By Church And Community

14. Lower Suicide Rates
Higher Levels of Happiness

15. Reference:
Christofferson, D.T., (2017). Love One Another: A Discussion on Same-Sex Attraction. Retrieved from
https://mormonandgay.lds.org/articles/love-one-another-a-discussion-on-same-sex-attraction
Lang, N. (2017). “I See Myself in Every One of Them”: With A Spike In Suicides, Parents of Utah’s Queer Youth Fear
the Worst. Retrieved from http://www.vox.com/identities/2017/3/20/14938950/mormon-utah-lgbtq-youth
Parker, N.H., (2017). Rising Suicide Rates of Our LGBT Members, Part 1. Podcast number 097. Retrieved from
http://www.mormonmentalhealth.org/097-rising-suicide-rates-our-lgbt-members-part-1/
Price, M. L., (2016). Utah Officials Unsure Why Youth Suicide Rate Has Nearly Tripled Since 2007. Associated Press.
Retrieved from http://www.sltrib.com/news/4075258-155/story.html