According to official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) of Great Britain, LGBTQ+ people are nearly three times more likely to die from drug poisoning and almost twice as likely to be from alcohol-related causes compared to heterosexual people. These data were obtained during the first-ever analysis of differences in the causes of death of adults by sexual orientation in England and Wales, covering the period from March 2021 to November 2024.
Main statistical indicators
The study found a significant gap in mortality rates between the LGBTQ+ community and the heterosexual population:
Overall risk of death
For people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or "other" (LGBTQ+), the risk of dying from any cause in 1.3x higherthan for heterosexuals. The mortality rate was 982.8 per 100,000 people in the LGBTQ+ group versus 752.6 in the heterosexual group.
Drug-related mortality
Risk of death from drug poisoning in the LGBTQ+ group in the 2.8x higher (57.5 deaths per 100,000 people versus 20.6 for heterosexuals).
Alcohol-related mortality
The risk of alcohol-related death in 1.8x higher (51.8 deaths per 100,000 people versus 29.5).
The problem of suicide among young people
Of particular concern to experts is the statistics of suicide, which is the leading cause of death in younger age groups for both categories, but in the LGBTQ+ community, their share is "noticeably higher."
In the age group from 16 to 24 years old Suicides account for 45,3% всех смертей among LGBTQ+ youth, while among their heterosexual peers, the figure is 26.6%. Professor Catherine Meades, from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), called the statistic "frightening" and stressed that these deaths were preventable.
Causes: Social pressure and mental health
Experts emphasize that the increased risks are not related to the sexual orientation itself, but to the difficulties and prejudices in society.
1. Depression: The rate of depression among LGBTQ+ people is significantly higher — 52% (and up to 70% among non-binary people) compared to 16% among the general population.
2. Social isolation: LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience homelessness (especially youth), hate crimes, and are less likely to report them.
3. Daily stress: Constant "microaggressions," such as inappropriate jokes or intentionally using the wrong pronouns, make people feel humiliated.
4. Lack of security: According to Stonewall, less than half of LGBTQ+ people feel safe just holding a partner's hand in public.
Peter Nesbitt, director of the charity Mind Out, notes that it is precisely because of the stress caused by homophobia, transphobia and the continued legality of conversion therapy that people are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol.
Somatic diseases
Coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death in both groups, accounting for 11.9% in the LGBTQ+ group and 10.7% among the rest. Professor Meades suggests that higher heart disease mortality rates in the LGBTQ+ community may be due to higher smoking rates.
Where to go for help
If you are experiencing difficulties or psychological discomfort, there are support services that work confidentially and around the clock:
- In the UK: Samaritans (tel. 116 123).
- In the United States: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (tel. or text 988).
- In other countries: A list of hotlines is available on the www.befrienders.org website.
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