Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth face tremendous pressures growing up in a society where heterosexuality is often presented as the only acceptable orientation and being gay is regarded as deviant. Although many LGBTQ youth have support and lead happy and healthy lives, others face immense challenges to growing up physically and mentally healthy. Current research continues to suggest that homophobia and heterosexism greatly contribute to higher rates of depression, alcohol and other drug usage, suicide, verbal and physical harassment, risk behavior for HIV and other STD’s among LGBTQ youth. Lesbian and bisexual women are also at higher risk for pregnancy often as an attempt to “prove” they are not gay. This session will review the current data and trends of risk behaviors among LGBTQ youth and identify strategies for youth service providers to support LGBTQ youth.
Learning Objectives: This session will 1. Review the current rates and trends of risk behaviors among LGBTQ youth as examined in surveys such as the YRBS. 2. Identify best practices for agencies servicing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth. 3. Review various models of state educational agencies (SEAs) for addressing the mental health needs of LGBTQ youth within school settings. 4. Provide resources for youth service providers
Keywords: Gay, Adolescents
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.