Shining a Light on LGBTQ+ Faith and Suicide: Stories of Struggle and Hope

Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD24), we turn our attention to a deeply troubling issue that affects a vulnerable segment of our society: LGBTQ+ individuals of faith.

In Australia, suicide impacts countless lives. Each year, approximately 65,000 Australians attempt suicide, and in 2022 alone, more than 3,200 people took their own lives, an average of nine a day—double the number of road fatalities.

The risk of suicide is notably higher among LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from faith backgrounds face even greater challenges. The struggles are profound and complex.

Take, for instance, the harrowing experiences shared by people like Pentecostal Pete, who felt damned from a young age for being gay. Despite fervent prayers, he felt trapped between his sexuality and his faith, leading him to see death as a release from his torment.

Similarly, Glenn's story highlights the pain inflicted by conversion therapy. After a traumatic experience with reparative therapy and multiple suicide attempts, he was left with physical and emotional scars, feeling his future was bleak.

Julie’s account reveals the deep shame and rejection faced when coming out. Raised in a strict Catholic environment and later subjected to homophobic treatment in her evangelical church, she battled depression and suicidal thoughts as a result of the relentless rejection.

John, too, describes a spiralling descent into depression, exacerbated by the fear of being rejected by his church community. His struggle with his identity, compounded by unsatisfactory and painful attempts to explore his sexuality, only deepened his despair.

These stories underscore a tragic reality: the true cost of the internal conflict between faith and sexuality is immeasurable. The trauma inflicted by efforts to change one’s sexual orientation through prayer, counselling, or so-called conversion therapy often leaves scars that are too painful to quantify.

We may never fully understand the extent of lives lost or the long-term impact of these struggles, but it’s clear that the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ identity can be devastating.

Anthony Venn-Brown, founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International (ABBI) and author of 'A Life of Unlearning,' has been a prominent voice in this area, working tirelessly to support those affected. His work and advocacy highlight the urgent need for understanding and change in how we address these issues within both faith communities and the broader society.

For more on this vital work and to support the cause, visit ABBI's website or get in touch with Anthony directly you can donate to the cause here.

Source: Article originally published by ABBI.

Photo Credits: nwmphn.org.au