Link: https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/10/new-study-reveals-surprisingly-encouraging-shift-among-trans-youth-over-the-past-two-years/

A new two-year study of LGBTQ+ youth from the Trevor Project holds some good news for young people across the U.S., as well as confirmation of the harmful impacts of gender identity-based discrimination, economic insecurity, and the scourge of conversion therapy on mental health.

The LGBTQ+ youth advocacy group published the findings of its ongoing study, “Project SPARK Two-Year Findings: A Longitudinal Study of Protective and Risk Factors in LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health,” on Tuesday.

Responses collected from 1,689 LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 every six months from September 2023 through March 2026 revealed that supportive environments make a statistically positive difference in LGBTQ+ young people’s lives.

While LGBTQ+ youth continue to face persistent mental health challenges — including high rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation driven by ongoing discrimination, economic insecurity, and barriers to care — rates of self-harm and suicide attempts decreased over the time period.

Family support was linked to 45% lower odds of suicidal ideation and 42% lower odds of self-harm. Gender euphoria was linked to 50% lower odds of suicidal ideation and 49% lower odds of depression. And proactive factors like changing ID documents and accessing hormones for trans and nonbinary youth led to 45% lower odds of suicidal ideation and 38% lower odds of depression, respectively.

“This research affirms what we have long known to be true: creating welcoming and supportive environments for LGBTQ+ youth is a life-saving intervention,” said Dr. Ronita Nath, Vice President of Research at the Trevor Project.

“As these young people navigate a challenging sociopolitical landscape with escalating anti-LGBTQ+ stigma and systemic barriers, the data from Project SPARK show that intentional support – things like family acceptance, gender euphoria, and access to care – can play a powerful role in protecting LGBTQ+ young people from suicide risk over time.”

“Showing up for LGBTQ+ youth in this moment means addressing the risk factors that lead to harm, while building safe, supportive spaces that allow these young people to fully be themselves.”

Excellent news, especially when there's so much enraging news day after day after day.