South Middlesex Times

Discriminatory legal policies and policing may be contributing to the rise in suicidal ideation and behavior among Black LGBQ communities, a study by Rutgers Health researchers revealed. The research, led by Devin English, highlights the impact of structural oppression and policing on suicide risk within marginalized communities.

The study, published in the Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, explored the correlation between state racist and heterosexist policies, police stops, discrimination, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among different demographic groups. Over 5,000 individuals from New Jersey, Minnesota, and Mississippi were surveyed to assess these associations.

Findings indicated that Black LGBQ participants faced an increased likelihood of police stops due to racist and heterosexist policies, leading to higher rates of discrimination, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior. In contrast, white heterosexual participants experienced a decreased likelihood of police stops under similar policies, resulting in weaker effects on suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

English emphasized the significant impact of discriminatory policies on both Black heterosexual and LGBQ individuals, particularly in states with higher Black-white incarceration inequities. He underscored the urgency of addressing systemic inequalities, stating, "We simply cannot sit back and watch as white supremacist policies are passed by our state legislatures, at the expense of our Black and LGBQ neighbors. We need to speak up."

The study sheds light on the detrimental effects of discriminatory practices on mental health outcomes, urging a reevaluation of policies that perpetuate inequities and harm marginalized communities.