Sexual Identity Versus Sexual Behavior in Youth: Using the YRBSS to Determine Prevalence and Intersection Across Demographics

Due to the lack of representative datasets that assess sexual orientation, little is known about the prevalence and development of sexual identity and same-sex sex behavior in adolescents. Additionally, even less is known about how identity and behavior are impacted by race and gender, and across development. The current study utilizes data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) and is the first to examine sexual identity and sexual behavior in a large, population-based, school sample of youth. The YRBBS was developed by the CDC to monitor priority health-risk behaviors and selected health outcomes among all youths and young adults. The YRBSS includes biennial, school-based surveys conducted among population-based samples of students in grades 9–12 in participating states and large urban school districts. Participants included a weighted sample of N > 34,000 across 14 regions of the United States, aged 12 through 18, with the median age of 16 years old. Sexual identity and sexual behavior were examined, along with variations by demographic characteristics. A single item assessing sexual identity was included, with 1.3% lesbian/gay, 3.6% bisexual, 92.4% heterosexual, and 2.7% unsure. In terms of sexual behavior, 47.3% indicated they had no reported sex partners, 47.4% reported only opposite sex partners, 3.4% indicated same and opposite sex partners, and 1.9 % indicated having only same sex partners. Results indicate differences in sexual identity and sexual behavior by gender, race/ethnicity, and age. As little is known about sexual identity development in youth, this data sheds new light on sexual identity development, as well as how identity and behavior differ by gender, race, and across development.