BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick is commending the state for working to ensure that gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have the safety and support services they need.

The Democratic governor and other state officials spoke in favor of the state's efforts at the Massachusetts Commission on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth's Wednesday hearing.

Patrick said while there's a lot of work to be done, the state continues to be committed to creating safe environments and support and health services for these individuals.

According to the 2011 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey, students who describe themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual were over seven times more likely to have attempted suicide in the past year and over twice as likely to have been injured or threatened with a weapon at school.