Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth are nearly five times more likely to report attempting suicide in the past year relative to their heterosexual peers, and LGB adults are nearly twice as likely as heterosexual adults to report mental distress. These health disparities are not inevitable; they are closely tied to LGB rights.
State same-sex marriage policies were linked to a 14 percent reduction in LGB teen suicide attempts. In contrast, policies permitting the denial of services to LGB people were associated with a 46 percent increase in LGB adult mental distress. Monday's Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission failed to address and prevent ongoing harm from service denials to LGB and transgender (LGBT) populations.
