Are You the Reason They Want to Die? (Episode 109)

What if your words could be the final straw for someone battling suicidal thoughts? With a staggering 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considering suicide last year, this conversation couldn't be more urgent.Miss Lulu, speaking under an alias due to the sensitivity of the topic, brings her experience working with crisis hotlines to shed light on the devastating loneliness many LGBTQ+ individuals face. "It's like a form of torture," she explains, describing how people stuff down their true selves out of fear, creating both psychological and physical harm. Most heartbreaking is the revelation that suicidal ideation often begins as young as 6 or 7 years old for some children wrestling with their identity.The discussion takes a bold turn when addressing the intersection of religious beliefs and human dignity. Is it possible to hold traditional views on sexuality while still treating LGBTQ+ individuals as fully human? The answer, both hosts suggest, is an emphatic yes. The problem isn't necessarily the belief itself but the selective application of judgment toward certain differences while overlooking others.Perhaps the most powerful moment comes when Miss Lulu shares her personal journey with body dysmorphia after pregnancy-related hair loss. By finding that small thread of connection—knowing what it's like to feel uncomfortable in your own body—she offers listeners a gateway to empathy. "Find that thread," she urges, "and then magnify it times a hundred to imagine what it's like to live in that world every day."For LGBTQ+ youth worldwide, especially those in dangerous environments, the conversation concludes with practical advice on finding safe communities online where authentic expression is possible. The Trevor Project and similar organizations offer lifelines that literally save lives.What will you do with your words today? Will you push someone closer to the edge, or pull them back with your compassion? Your answer matters more than you know.Helpful Resources:Call or Text 988or visit https://988lifeline.org/ (There are also serves for the deaf)Call The Trevor Project Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386or visit https://www.thetrevorproject.org/Send us an anonymous text messageSupport the showEvery episode brings global perspectives and leadership insights. Click on the "Support the show" link above and keep the mission alive for free!Search MindShift Power Podcast buy topic here: https://www.fatimabey.com/podcast-searchExplore more about my work beyond podcasting, check out the blog, share your thoughts, or become a guest! https://www.FatimaBey.comI also have another podcast called The MindShifter Audio Blog!Experience my written words like never before, as I personally narrate my blogs for a truly engaging audio journey. https://www.fatimabey.com/audioblogFollow me on social media: https://www.fatimabey.com/#1035650492Thank you for listening!