Childhood Gender Nonconformity and Harassment as Predictors of Suicidality Among gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Austrians

The role of childhood gender role nonconformity & childhood harassment in explaining suicidality was examined in a sample of 142 lesbian, gay, & bisexual adults & 148 heterosexual adults in Austria. Current & previous suicidality, childhood gender role nonconformity, & childhood harassment were significantly greater in lesbian, gay, & bisexual participants compared to heterosexual participants. The association of childhood gender role nonconformity with current suicidality suggests an enduring effect of childhood gender role nonconformity on the mental health & suicide risk of lesbian, gay, & bisexual individuals. (57 refs.) JA