LGBT

UBC's Still Here seeks queer female participants for suicide study, plus CBRC suicide-prevention webinar

by Craig Takeuchi on May 8th, 2017 at 4:45 PM
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      Research has shown that LGBT people are more susceptible to suicide than other members of the population.

      While suicide rates for men have been traditionally higher for men than women, gay and bisexual men are even more prone to suicide than straight men.

      Likewise, queer women are more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual or cisgender women.

      Man-Up Against Suicide previously examined suicide among queer men and a UBC–led study analyzed suicide among HIV–positive queer men. 

      UBC's Still Here project is now launching a new study to explore suicide among queer women.

      They're looking for lesbian, bisexual, queer, and/or transgender women who are 19 years or older and have had suicidal thoughts in the past.

      The study aims to improve understanding about suicide among queer women, to decrease stigma about suicide, and to help develop future suicide-prevention programs.

      Participants will receive a digital camera to take photographs with, participate in interviews, and receive $100 (or $200 if you have your own camera).

      For further information or to participate, you visit the website, call 604-822-2581 or email the Still Here project.

      Meanwhile, the Community-Based Research Centre (along with CATIE and the Network: BC's gbMSM Health Resource) will present a webinar about suicide prevention for gay and bisexual men at 10 a.m. on May 30.

      UBC Men's Health research program's Dr. Olivier Ferlatte (and director of the Still Here project) and BC Centre for Disease Control's Dr. Travis Salway will discuss recent findings from Canadian studies.

      For more information or to register, visit this webpage.

      If you or someone you know is experiencing depressive or suicidal thoughts, some options for resources include talking to a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, psychologist, or counsellor. If in crisis, contact 911 or go to a hospital immediately. 

      The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of B.C. offers 24-hour phone and online distress services (as well as community education). The Crisis Line Association of B.C. (1-800-784-2433) provides 24-hour service for individuals across the province. 

      For LGBT people, options also include contacting Health Initiative for Men or Qmunity for queer-specific resources, particularly for issues related to sexual or gender identity. Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is a national service for children and teenagers. 

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