Intersecting Structural Oppression and Suicidality Among Black Sexual Minority Male Adolescents and Emerging Adults

This study examined associations between structural racism, anti-LGBTQ policies, and suicide risk among young sexual minority men (SMM). Participants were a 2017-2018 Internet-based U.S. national sample of 497 Black and 1536 White SMM (ages 16-25). Structural equation modeling tested associations from indicators of structural racism, anti-LGBTQ policies, and their interaction to suicide risk factors. For Black participants, structural racism and anti-LGBTQ policies were significantly positively associated with depressive symptoms, heavy drinking, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, self-harm, and suicide attempt. There were significant interaction effects: Positive associations between structural racism and several outcomes were stronger for Black participants in high anti-LGBTQ policy states. Structural racism, anti-LGBTQ policies, and their interaction were not significantly associated with suicide risk for White SMM.

Automated summary

This study examines the relationship between structural racism, anti-LGBTQ policies, and suicide risk among young sexual minority men. The findings show that for Black participants, both structural racism and anti-LGBTQ policies are significantly associated with various negative outcomes, including depressive symptoms, heavy drinking, self-harm, and suicide attempt. The association between structural racism and these outcomes is stronger for Black participants in states with higher levels of anti-LGBTQ policies. However, there is no significant association between these factors and suicide risk for White sexual minority men.