LGB+ Individuals Face Significantly Higher Mortality Risk, Landmark Study Reveals
A new analysis of mortality data in England and Wales reveals that individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or “other” sexual orientation (LGB+) are at a substantially increased risk of death compared to their heterosexual counterparts. The findings, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), underscore critical health disparities within the LGB+ community and highlight the urgent need for targeted support and intervention.
The ONS research, utilizing data from March 2021 to November 2024 and incorporating sexual orientation data collected for the first time in the 2021 census, demonstrates a 1.3 times higher risk of death for LGB+ individuals. Specifically, the age-standardised death rate was 982.8 per 100,000 people for the LGB+ population, compared to 752.6 per 100,000 for those identifying as straight or heterosexual.
While coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death across all demographics, the second most prevalent cause of death within the LGB+ community is tragically suicide, accounting for 7.1% of all deaths. This disparity is particularly pronounced among younger individuals. The data reveals that nearly half (45.3%) of deaths among LGB+ individuals aged 16 to 24 were attributed to suicide, a figure that contrasts sharply with 26.6% for their straight peers. Among those aged 25 to 34, over a quarter (29.6%) of LGB+ deaths were suicides, compared to 18.4% for straight individuals.
Beyond suicide, the study also identified significantly elevated risks associated with substance use. The risk of death from drug poisoning was 2.8 times higher for LGB+ individuals, and the risk of death from alcohol-related causes was 1.8 times higher.
“This is the first time we have looked at differences in causes of death among adults by sexual orientation,” stated a senior ONS official. “There are some noticeable differences, with nearly three times as many drug poisoning deaths and close to twice as many alcohol-related deaths among the LGB+ group compared with the straight or heterosexual group.” The official emphasized that the analysis does not establish causality, but hopes the data will be instrumental in informing healthcare professionals and organizations serving diverse populations.
The findings have prompted calls for increased attention to the mental health and wellbeing of LGB+ individuals. Mark Winstanley, the chief executive of the charity Rethink Mental Illness, expressed deep concern over the data. “It is deeply concerning that the data shows suicide is the second leading cause of death among LGB+ people,” he said. “The causes of suicide are complex, but we know that LGBTQ+ people face discrimination in many areas of their lives and encounter harassment, from physical attacks to online hatred.” Winstanley underscored the vital role of specialized support organizations and the need for sustained funding to address the stigma often associated with accessing traditional mental health services.
The data reinforces the urgent need to address the systemic risk factors faced by the LGBTQ+ community and to ensure equitable access to comprehensive and culturally competent mental health care. .
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, please reach out for help.
- UK & Ireland: Samaritans – Freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected]
- US: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org
- Australia: Lifeline – 13 11 14
- International Helplines: befrienders.org
