Protect yourself and your family from suicide. Statistics show the risk of suicide is higher for those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or Two Spirit (LGBTQ2S). Two spirit is a contemporary term that refers to current and historical LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) people, whose individual spirit blends male and female identities. Most tribes have unique terms in their language and roles for Two Spirit people.
Honor LGBTQ2S:
- Respect the names and pronouns that people use to identify themselves.
- Know that family love, support, and acceptance helps protect all people from suicide.
- Let the person know indirectly, or directly, that you are open to hearing about their lives and identity.
- Help connect people to their tribal culture and history around gender and identity.
- Respect the persons desired level of privacy.
- Adopt a no tolerance response to bullying and harassment.
Most importantly, show support, love, and acceptance to someone thinking about suicide. Remember, suicide can be prevented.
Know the warning signs just in case you need to help a friend or family member:
- Experienced trauma or loss
- Giving away possessions
- Withdrawal from family, friends, school, or work
- Feeling sad, hopeless, helpless or rejected
- Concerning posts on social media
- Sleeping too little or too much
To give help or get help:
- Call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger
- Call the Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth at 1-866-488-7386
- Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
- Text “START” to 741741 to chat via text message
- Learn about suicide warning signs and prevention resources
- Ask directly about suicide
- Stay calm and listen non-judgmentally
- Talk to trusted elders, healers, friends, family members or health professionals
