Suicídio entre minorias sexuais e de gênero: uma análise acerca da relação entre práticas discursivas de sujeição e a incidência do comportamento suicida

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO), in its most recent report, states that every forty seconds someone dies by suicide, which translates to approximately 700,000 victims annually. For those who turn to specialized literature to understand more about this phenomenon concerning sexual and gender minorities, discussions are often preliminary and epidemiological data on suicidal behavior are inconsistent. Addressing this issue, the research aimed to analyze associations between sexual and gender minorities and the occurrence of suicidal behaviors, focusing on the influence of discursive practices of subjection manifested through dimensions of the socioeconomic and socio-affective context. Specifically, the research concentrated on identifying how these dimensions subvert or denote biopower mechanisms, influencing the production of heteronormativity and cisnormativity, and consequently, the emergence of precipitating factors for suicidal behavior. To this end, a documentary analysis was conducted on Brazilian legislation, maps, and dossiers, employing content analysis based on Bardin’s methodology. Among the results, it is evident that LGBTQIAP+ community members face learned helplessness, dehumanization, and derealization, which are subjectively linked to the formation of suicidal behavior in these groups. This process of life precarization is catalyzed by the heteronormativity and cisgender norms present in relationships and state or government policies. Despite this, many achievements have been made in Brazil and worldwide, thanks to the development of public policies focused on the population, with direct involvement from civil society in designing strategies and creating spaces. However, conditions remain precarious for the population, as other transit spaces are still not safeguarded, particularly for young people, adults, and the elderly, who are victims in environments such as schools, the labor market, or during crucial life moments like retirement. Vulnerability in these conditions is also associated with the emergence of suicidal behavior.