Investigating How Societal Narratives and Social Networks Shape LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Risk

Dr. Kirsty Clark will share research from both the United States and Scotland examining how societal narratives and social networks can shape suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth. She will discuss how the portrayal of LGBTQ+ youth suicide in media, education, and even research may contribute to risk. Dr. Clark will highlight perspectives from LGBTQ+ individuals who have survived suicide attempts and present new findings on how being exposed to the suicidal thoughts and behaviors of others may impact LGBTQ+ youth. This talk will encourage discussion on how we can reshape societal messages and strengthen support networks to promote resilience and well-being among LGBTQ+ youth.

This event is run by the Queer Minds Scotland Network (funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh) but we welcome attendees based all across the globe. This workshop is open to anyone interested in the topics including community members, practitioners, policy makers, students and researchers.

A note on safety and inclusion: Queer Minds Scotland is a fully inclusive network and space of all LGBTQIA+ communities. We therefore take a zero tolerance approach to any discrimination that compromises the safety of the space i.e. transphobia, racism, ableism - and reserve the right to remove participants who may express such views.