New data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) looks for the first time at mortality analysed by sexual orientation and makes sobering reading. As we’ve long suspected lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB+) people are more likely to take their own lives or die through alcohol or drug use.

Suicide is the second most common cause of death for all LGB+ people, especially for younger LGB+ people. The figures also showed that the risk of dying from drug poisoning was 2.8 times higher for LGB+ people than those identifying as straight, and 1.8 times higher from alcohol-related causes.

It’s always difficult to accurately identify causality but the difference here is stark. The figures are set against a backdrop where LGBTQ+ people are living with additional societal pressures related to their identity and exacerbated by intolerance and hate.

Newer drugs, particularly those associated with chemsex, have become more widely used and come with different harms and higher risk, such as the chance of fatal overdose on small doses of GHB/GBL.

ONS data already available show much higher rates of drug use by LGBTQ+ people so we know this is a disproportionate issue – yet that data is buried in an embedded spreadsheet in a webpage that makes no reference to such drastically higher figures. If today’s data are shocking, then perhaps it’s even more shocking, even shameful, that we must search for existing data that should be readily available and informing policy, commissioning of services, and support.

LGBTQ+ people face stigma and barriers when trying to access support, and these data show us how vital it is to be able to access services that are welcoming, understanding, and appropriate for our needs.

These data, available because we now ask about sexual orientation in the Census data, show the importance of monitoring characteristics that enable such detailed analysis. It’s vital that ONS now analyse by trans identity too.

Further Support

Switchboard, the LGBTQIA+ helpline operates daily on 0800 0119100 or via chat and email at switchboard.lgbt

Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org

London Friend’s LGBTQ+ drug and alcohol service, Antidote, provides in-person support across London. Find out more at londonfriend.org.uk/antidote