From and for Folks: Relationships Between Forms of Social Support and Suicidal Thinking in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults

To examine the role of various forms of social support as a protective factor for transgender and gender diverse individuals against suicidal ideation. Data analyzed in the current study were part of the 2017 Trans Lifeline Mental Health Survey. Self-identified transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults (N = 4147) completed an online, cross-sectional survey that included self-report measures on past-year suicidal ideation, perceived receipt of social support from others (e.g., family and chosen family), mode of social support (e.g., primarily online and primarily offline), and perceived role of social support for others. Chi-square analyses indicate that TGD individuals who reported support from both FOO and chosen family, receiving support from friends primarily offline, and providing support to friends primarily offline were less likely to report past-year SI. A logistic regression analysis further indicated that those who reported having both family and chosen family support and support from friends primarily offline were less likely to report past-year SI. TGD individuals may be protected from SI when they perceive social support from multiple relationships and sources.