Sexual Minority Youth and the World of Heterosexual Dating

A growing body of research indicates that gay and lesbian youth may have significant sexual experiences with opposite-sex partners, and thus may be at risk for unintended pregnancy and heterosexually-contacted STDs. However, due to their perceived low-risk status, sexual minorities may be less likely to access reproductive health services or to receive counseling related to heterosexual sexual activity. Moreover, although research demonstrates that the quality of adolescents' romantic relationships have significant implications for their well-being, we have little information on the quality of opposite-sex relationships experienced by sexual minority youth. This study uses data from wave 3 of the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study (TARS), limited to respondents who reported recently dating someone of the opposite sex (n=964 including 84 sexual minority youth, mean age=18.2). We examine whether sexual behaviors within the relationship vary by sexual identity -- including whether or not adolescents have had vaginal, oral, and anal sex in the relationship; if they use condoms consistently with the partner; and if either partner in the relationship has been unfaithful. In addition, the study will examine relationship qualities, such as feelings of love and commitment, and assess whether these qualities differ for relationships of heterosexual and sexual minority respondents. All analyses will control for sociodemographic characteristics, relationship demographics such as length, and individual characteristics such as self-esteem and parent-teen closeness, that may be related to both sexual identity and relationship characteristics. The results of this study will have implications for practitioners working with GLB youth, as well as researchers and policymakers.