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SALT LAKE CITY — The LDS Church responded Thursday to an unverified report about suicide deaths among Mormon LGBT youth.

"We mourn with their families and friends when they feel life no longer offers hope," senior church leaders said through a spokesman.

Wendy Montgomery, a co-founder of the Mama Dragons, a group of Mormon mothers with gay children, reported last week that she had been told 32 young LGBT Mormons have died by suicide since early November.

The individual families who told Montgomery about their losses requested privacy. The Deseret News has not been able to verify this number independently.

Given the tragedy of suicide and the alarm the report has raised in the LDS LGBT community, the Deseret News asked experts for insight and solutions. They explained exactly how parents, friends and religious congregations can help prevent suicides by thinking carefully about what they say and do and by welcoming, accepting and supporting LGBT people. Read the entire report here.

Each expert emphasized that those who may be contemplating suicide can find help from many people and places, and that families can learn to see the warning signs.

The suicide prevention lifeline 1-800-273-TALK is available 24/7 as a resource for those in crisis and for those who may be worried about someone else.

The timing of Montgomery's report has raised concerns in the LDS LGBT community that church leaders' Nov. 5 announcement of new policies regarding same-sex couples and their families could have contributed to increased anxiety for some. Experts say it's impossible to pinpoint the causes of any suicide because research shows there is never a single reason.

Last week in Los Angeles during a conference for Affirmation, a Mormon LGBT support group, Montgomery, who is well-known in that community, reported that 32 families had contacted her about the deaths of a child or sibling. Montgomery said 26 deaths took place in Utah, four in Idaho and one each in Arizona and the New England area. Most were men (27), but three were female and two were transgender. All were between the ages of 14 and 20. The average age was 17.

Senior LDS leaders reiterated through a spokesman on Thursday that they expect church members to actively reach out to and care for young Mormon lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender people.

"Every soul is precious to God and to the church and the loss of life to suicide is heartbreaking," church spokesman Dale Jones said. "Those who are attracted to others of the same sex face particular challenges and pressures in this regard, both inside and outside the church. We mourn with their families and friends when they feel life no longer offers hope. Each congregation should welcome everyone. Leaders and members are taught to follow the example of Jesus Christ and to reach out in an active, caring way to all, especially to youth who feel estranged or isolated. The church has repeatedly stated that those who feel same-sex attraction and yet choose to live the commandments of God can live fulfilling lives as worthy members of the church. We want all to enjoy the blessings and safety offered by embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ and living the principles of His gospel."

Read the entire in-depth Deseret News report here.

Suicide Prevention Resources If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, KSL encourages you to call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK. Crisis Hotlines Utah County Crisis Line: 801-226- 4433

Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000

Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373- 7393

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK

Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1- 866-488-7386 Online resources NAMI Utah: nam iut.org

Utah Chapter-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: a fsputah.com

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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