KNOW MORE: LGBTQ YOUTH
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth must have equal access to culturally competent services in order to ensure their health and happy development. These young people face difficulties in accessing age, sexual orientation, and gender identity appropriate healthcare. Many of these problems are associated with homophobia and transphobia that these young people face.
Many LGBTQ young people realize at early ages that they are LGBTQ. For some young people, they may engage in same sex behavior, but not identify as LGBTQ due to fear of rejection and harassment.
These fears are not without merit. A 2005 national survey released by GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network) found:- Three-fourths of students heard remarks such as "faggot" or "dyke" used as an insult frequently or often at school.
- Nearly nine out of ten reported hearing "that's so gay" or "you're so gay" - meaning stupid or worthless- frequently or often.
- Over a third of students experienced physical harassment at school on the basis of sexual orientation.
- More than a quarter experienced physical harassment on the basis of their gender expression.
- Nearly one-fifth of students had been physically assaulted because of their sexual orientation and over a tenth because of their gender expression.
With such a hostile environment, it is not surprising that studies have shown correlations between harassment and substance abuse, depression, and suicide.
Healthcare providers must not assume that all young people are heterosexual. There must be adequate training for youth focused healthcare that encompasses a range of possible sexual orientations and gender identities.
If you think you might be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer/questioning, don't worry. There is nothing wrong with being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and/or queer/questioning. You are also not alone, the links below can help you find other young people to answer your questions and address your concerns.
KNOW MORE! LGBTQ young people deserve equal access to culturally competent healthcare.
KNOW MORE! LGBTQ young people deserve equal access to culturally competent healthcare.
For information about youth focused health care, vist the following links:
National Youth Advocacy
Coalition
YouthResource, a Project of Advocates
for Youth