The critical need for research on LGBTQ youth mental health and suicide prevention—made even more critical by the COVID-19 pandemic—has led to a new partnership between the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and The Trevor Project, the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth.
The formal research partnership will enable collaborations including data sharing and innovative project design between the two organizations. These collaborations will leverage the Kinsey Institute's scientific expertise in methodology and data analysis to support The Trevor Project's efforts to advance knowledge of the clinical implications of suicide and LGBTQ mental health.
"The Kinsey Institute is dedicated to impactful research on sexuality, relationships and well-being, so we are very excited to join forces with the incredible team at The Trevor Project to collaboratively research urgent issues around LGBTQ mental health and suicide," said Justin R. Garcia, acting executive director and research director of the Kinsey Institute and a Ruth N. Halls Associate Professor of Gender Studies, in a statement.
"The Trevor Project's Research Department aims to produce and use innovative research that brings new knowledge and clinical implications to the field of suicidology and LGBTQ youth mental health," added Amy E. Green, director of research at The Trevor Project. "Partnering with a premier research entity like the Kinsey Institute will foster our goal of advancing scientific inquiry in ways that support and protect the lives of LGBTQ youth. We look forward to drawing on our shared expertise to create a better world for LGBTQ youth."
The Kinsey Institute's recent Sex and Relationships in the Time of COVID-19 study found that LGBTQ participants were more worried about the risk of COVID-19, and reported higher levels of stress and pandemic-related loneliness.
