Data & Doctrine: Latter-day Saints, LGBT Youth, and Suicide

The relentless drumbeat of accusation against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has grown deafening in recent years. One particular accusation – that the Church’s teachings drive LGBT youth to suicide – has become a cornerstone of this narrative. But what if the data tells a different story? What if, instead of contributing to despair, adherence to the gospel provides a bulwark against it?

This isn’t about dismissing the real pain and suffering experienced by individuals struggling with identity and faith. It's about confronting a misleading narrative with rigorous inquiry and a commitment to truth, as commanded in D&C 83:5. The Lord calls us to “seek ye diligently and impart your understanding to the people.”

The recent interview and associated studies, explored in the video below, offer a compelling counterpoint to the accepted narrative. They demonstrate a statistically significant trend: LGBT Latter-day Saint youth are roughly half as likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their non-Latter-day Saint counterparts.

This isn’t a mere anomaly. BYU researchers, analyzing the same dataset, found that this positive correlation persists even after controlling for demographic variables. Further investigation revealed that lower rates of substance abuse, greater family stability, and stronger family relationships – all hallmarks of faithful Latter-day Saint living – appear to mediate this effect. As the interviewers rightly observe, this flies in the face of the prevalent online narrative.

Now, it’s crucial to acknowledge the nuance here. As the interview clarifies, correlation doesn’t equal causation. There are undoubtedly instances where individuals experience rejection and pain within the context of faith and sexuality. And while these experiences are tragic and demand our compassion and righteous intervention, they don’t negate the broader, positive trends revealed by the data. These instances are in spite of the gospel’s teachings, not because of them.

The findings extend beyond suicide risk. The BYU paper also noted that LGBT Latter-day Saint youth experienced a benefit from their faith regarding depression rates, a benefit not seen in their straight Latter-day Saint peers. This underscores the profound resilience fostered by a relationship with God and a commitment to His principles. Think of the strength Nephi demonstrated in 1 Nephi 1:7, facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles with unwavering faith.

This isn't merely a matter of academic curiosity. It's a matter of testimony. It’s a confirmation, through empirical evidence, of the power of the Restoration and the protective influence of the gospel. It's a reminder that the iron rod, described in Mosiah 8:24, truly does guide those who seek it.

Let this be a prompt for deeper reflection. How can we, as disciples of Christ, more effectively uphold the truth and extend compassion to those who are struggling? How can we strengthen families and foster environments of love and acceptance within our wards and communities?

We invite you to submit your reflections and insights on this topic. Let’s continue this important discussion with humility, charity, and a fervent desire to understand and apply the Lord’s will.