Content warning: suicide, self-harm and death
Fifty suicides of trans people in the UK over the past 10 years have been uncovered in a new investigation. Six further preventable or premature deaths were identified, and nearly half of the 56 trans people who died were under 18. Research shows that this number is just the tip of the iceberg.
This investigation by Good Law Project and QueerAF pieces together information about trans deaths from coroners’ reports, interviews with bereaved families, freedom of information requests, media reports and publicly available datasets.
Analysis of these cases and official figures of trans deaths over a decade shows that trans people are dying of suicide more than the general UK population. Data on child deaths is particularly concerning. Trans people make up less than one percent of the population – but from 2019 to 2025, trans under 18s made up seven per cent of all child suicides.
The investigation was produced in collaboration with a new project called Trans Lives, which is collecting evidence on suicides and other premature or preventable deaths of trans and nonbinary people. Trans Lives has today published a call for evidence, for bereaved friends and families of those who have died to share further stories of those who have not yet been counted.
While there is never one reason why someone takes their own life, some experts are concerned that these deaths are happening amid trans rights and healthcare rollbacks.
Of the cases uncovered, reporters identified 22 reports issued by coroners, who found systemic failures which require changes to prevent future deaths. Five of the reports specifically cite delays and waiting lists in gender care. Eight were ruled as suicides.
Fundamentally the investigation shows that there isn't enough comprehensive, high quality data or analysis available on the deaths of trans people. Trans Lives is taking action on this issue.
Lucy Brisbane McKay, coordinator of Trans Lives and campaigner on preventable deaths, said: “Like many aspects of trans lives, our public understanding and response to deaths is not informed by evidence or the voices of trans and nonbinary people or their families and friends.
"We will work together to remember our loved ones, and build resistance to support our community now.”
"Nobody knows exactly how many trans people are dying preventable and premature deaths, such as suicides. There is no collective analysis of the issues that contribute to deaths, or meaningful public policy to prevent them - this investigation is just the start of that work.
"We are calling for bereaved people to help collectively build a memorial and evidence base that is by and for our community. We will work together to remember our loved ones, and build resistance to support our community now.”
Ann John, a professor of public health and psychiatry at Swansea University Medical School, who reviewed the investigation’s findings, said: “There is little reliable, routinely collected or linked data on suicide among transgender people, especially adults. In its absence, the Good Law Project and QueerAF have relied on FOI requests and coroner’s reports to piece together estimates. The resulting picture is concerning, but fundamentally incomplete, making meaningful comparison or quantification of risk impossible.”
“Existing evidence and what we know about the complex interplay of factors that lead to suicide suggest trans people may face higher suicide risk - through isolation, discrimination, stigma and barriers to healthcare. But without robust national data, the true scale remains unknown - undermining suicide prevention efforts, need assessment, service planning and effective policy development.”
"The research told us clearly that withdrawing affirming healthcare risked increasing suicides."
Jo Maugham, founder and director of Good Law Project, said: "The loss of every single one of those young lives is an appalling tragedy. But it's more than that. The research told us clearly that withdrawing affirming healthcare risked increasing suicides. And when that happened, the Government, rather than changing course to save lives, tried to bury the evidence. Because apparently it is better that more young people should die than it have to admit to being wrong. It's unforgivable. We are now looking with our lawyers at legal action against the Health Secretary for this systemic failure."
"It is clear that too often, the deaths of trans people are preventable. These systemic failures must be addressed urgently.”
Alex Matheson, director of inclusion at the LGBT Foundation, said: “These figures are devastating, but they are not surprising. They reflect what we see every day - trans and LGBTQ+ young people are being pushed into crisis by isolation, stigma, and the steady erosion of their rights. When government policy, medical systems, and public debate all tell trans children that who they are is not valid, the harm is profound. These deaths were preventable. The solutions are already known: affirmation, access, and dignity.”
Deborah Coles, director of INQUEST, a charity that campaigns on state-related deaths, said: “Inquests into the deaths of young trans people have consistently exposed years‑long waits for gender‑affirming healthcare, and chronic under-resourcing of mental health and social services that leaves trans people without access to support they need. It is clear that too often, the deaths of trans people are preventable. These systemic failures must be addressed urgently.”
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