Support Trans Youth

Research shows 1 in 2 trans and nonbinary youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, and 1 in 5 attempted suicide.*

4 in 10 2SLGBTQIA+ youth reported being physically threatened or harmed due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.*

While these numbers are upsetting, they are sadly not surprising.

Trans youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but, rather, are at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.

Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to turn these numbers around.

Transgender and non-binary youth who live in a community that is accepting of LGBTQ people reported much lower rates of attempting suicide than those who do not. 

  • Having at least one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt among LGBTQ young people by 40 percent**

  • Having their pronouns respected by the people they lived with can reduce the risk of suicide by 50% 

  • Social interventions, which are considered reversible (meaning that if gender identity shifts in the future, these decisions can be adapted), can help lower the rates of depression and anxiety

We can all take a part in creating a safer, more inclusive Yukon, in which all people can experience community and thrive.

The ABCs of supporting trans youth

  1. AFFIRM GENDER EXPLORATION
    Gender exploration is a normal and healthy part of human development.

  2. ACKNOWLEDGE TRANSPHOBIA & TRANSMISOGYNY
    Transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming individuals experience discrimination and prejudice in society, which can cause mental health issues.

  3. BE FULLY SUPPORTIVE
    Parental support is the biggest factor in determining a trans young person’s mental health and quality of life outcomes.

  4. BUILD CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS
    Developing a close relationship with your trans youth through being curious, open to change, and letting them direct their own gender journey is the best way to help them feel fully supported.

  5. BECOME AN ADVOCATE
    While you can’t always make sure that everyone will be understanding of your trans youth, you can help protect them by becoming an advocate for their rights at school, work, and your community.

  6. CARE FOR YOURSELF
    Parents need to be aware of how their own emotions affect their relationship with their young person.

  7. CREATE HEALING MOMENTS
    Hurtful moments need to be addressed and repaired.

  8. CENTRE INFORMED CONSENT
    Support your trans youth’s agency by helping them access complete, age-appropriate information about the benefits, risks, and supports available at each step of their journey. Recognize their right to self-determination and support them to make the decision that seems best to them.

  9. CHOOSE “MEANINGFUL” OVER “EASY”
    Because of the society we live in, trans people’s lives are not always easy ones. However, with strong family and community support, trans people can develop incredible resilience and creativity in order to lead rich and meaningful lives.

Support and Resources

If you are struggling and in need of support, please reach out to these resources:

  • CMHA Yukon Reach Out Support Line (operates from 2-10PM daily): 1-844-533-3030

  • Kids Help Phone (Online or phone help line for youth and young adults): kidshelpphone.ca/


If you’d like to learn more about Trans History we suggest looking into the https://www.digitaltransgenderarchive.net/ which hosts a myriad of historical documents from around the world, accessible for free.

​GLAAD also hosts a brief explanation of the day and provides international resource & organizational links: https://www.glaad.org/tdor

Research cited on this page
*Trevor Project, 2022, National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health
**Trevor Project, 2019, National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health