If a child says they’re attracted to the same sex, don’t scold them, don’t kick them out, and don’t send them for “conversion therapy”: how your family reacts can affect whether they attempt suicide.

15. If a child says they’re attracted to the same sex, don’t scold them, don’t kick them out, and don’t send them for “conversion therapy”: how your family reacts can affect whether they attempt suicide.

Cost: There is no financial cost. The real challenge is for parents to manage their own emotions so they don’t lash out in the moment.

In plain terms: Among Chinese middle‑school students, those who are attracted only to the opposite sex are far less likely to attempt suicide than peers who are attracted to the same sex or both sexes. International research shows that adolescents who face strong rejection from their families are much more prone to suicide attempts; those whose parents send them for “conversion therapy” are at the highest risk.

Benefit: A nationwide survey of 150,822 students from grades 7‑12 in 506 schools across seven provinces found that in the past year, 2.2 % of boys attracted only to girls attempted suicide, compared with 6.9 % of boys attracted only to boys and 12.2 % of boys attracted to both sexes — roughly 3‑5.5 times higher. For girls the figures were 3.1 %, 8.9 % and 10.9 % respectively. After adjusting for age, academic pressure, family income and bullying, the odds ratios for boys were 3.13 (95 % CI 2.28‑4.28) and 3.83 (95 % CI 2.85‑5.14). A meta‑analysis of 35 studies reported an overall odds ratio of 3.50 (95 % CI 2.98‑4.12) for sexual‑minority youth attempting suicide. In the U.S., a study of 224 gay and bisexual young adults aged 21‑25 found that those who recalled strong family rejection during adolescence had an odds ratio of 8.4 for suicide attempts compared with peers with little rejection. Other research shows odds ratios of 3.08 (95 % CI 1.39‑6.83) when parents tried to change their child’s sexual orientation, and 5.07 (95 % CI 2.38‑10.79) when parents referred them to therapists or religious counselors.

Evidence grade: B

Sources: Huang Y, Li P, Guo L, et al. (2018). Sexual minority status and suicidal behavior among Chinese adolescents: a nationally representative cross-sectional study. BMJ Open, 8(8), e020969. <https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020969>; di Giacomo E, Krausz M, Colmegna F, Aspesi F, Clerici M. (2018). Estimating the Risk of Attempted Suicide Among Sexual Minority Youths: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Pediatrics, 172(12), 1145–1152. <https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.2731>; Ryan C, Huebner D, Diaz RM, Sanchez J. (2009). Family rejection as a predictor of negative health outcomes in white and Latino lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. Pediatrics, 123(1), 346–352. <https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2007-3524>; Ryan C, Toomey RB, Diaz RM, Russell ST. (2020). Parent-Initiated Sexual Orientation Change Efforts With LGBT Adolescents: Implications for Young Adult Mental Health and Adjustment. Journal of Homosexuality, 67(2), 159–173. <https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2018.1538407>; National People’s Congress Standing Committee (amended in 2024). Protection of Minors Law (Article 17). <https://flk.npc.gov.cn/detail?id=ff8081818f197cf001905e567af635a0>; National People’s Congress Standing Committee (2015). Anti-Domestic Violence Law (Article 2). <https://flk.npc.gov.cn/detail?id=2c909fdd678bf17901678bf7f9d60889>

Notes: This grade is assigned because the data come from single‑time surveys and family rejection is recalled by adults; they demonstrate an association but cannot prove causation. Parents need not immediately accept their child’s orientation; the priority is to avoid any harmful actions. Legally, parents must not abuse, neglect or inflict domestic violence on their children; constant verbal abuse and intimidation also count as domestic violence. If a child appears depressed or says they want to die, call 12356 as described in Section 1, Item 25. A depression screening as outlined in Section 1, Item 8 can also be arranged at a psychiatric clinic. For reasons why “conversion therapy” must be avoided, see Section 6, Item 28. Ultimately, protecting your child benefits both them and you.