TAKE ACTION: LGBTQ YOUTH
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth must have equal access to culturally competent health services and educational programs in order to ensure their health. LGBTQ young people face difficulties in accessing age, sexual orientation, and gender identity appropriate healthcare. Many of these problems are associated with homophobia and transphobia.
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. Questionnaires and intake forms should be designed with multiple, neutral options such as: "Do you have sex with _ Men, _ Women, or _ Both?" or "Are you attracted to: _ Men, _ Women, or _ Both?" There must be adequate training for youth-focused healthcare that encompasses a range of possible sexual orientations and gender identities. Young people are more likely to disclose important information when healthcare providers provide a safe, open and confidence-inspiring environment. Consider the photos and art on the office walls: Do they all depict “straight” families? LGBTQ youth will likely notice this and may be less likely to candidly discuss ways to protect their health.
School districts should provide sexuality education programs that are not based on abstinence until marriage. Protections from bullying in school should clearly cover LGBTQ youth. “Gay-Straight Alliances” (GSAs) can be a valuable tool in providing support and friendship networks to vulnerable youth in some school districts.
As many of us grew up, our family and friends made assumptions about our identities that may or may not have been truly accurate. As LGBTQ youth, we had to confront those assumptions and make decisions about how we would define ourselves. Or we could have become involved with members of the same sex without identifying as LGBTQ, out of either fear of discrimination or an unwillingness to label ourselves. Many LGBTQ young people are faced with these decisions at an early age.
It's completely understandable for you to feel despair, isolation and even anger about your situation, especially if you live in a particularly homophobic environment. Coming out to your family and friends can be incredibly difficult, with potentially life-altering consequences. While your sexuality and gender shouldn't define who you are… most people will probably assume that you are straight until you tell them otherwise. Just know that you're not alone in feeling this way; there are many people who have been through the same experience and became stronger people because of it.
Coming to terms with one's sexuality isn't easy for anyone, so here are a few things that you should keep in mind:
- There's no "right" or "wrong" way to come out. Anyone thinking of doing so should weigh the pros and cons, especially when it comes to your family. Tact and timing have a lot to do with this. We all want our family to be proud of us and to approve of-or, at the very least, accept-the things that make us who we are, but coming out should be approached with care. In any case, it's important to keep in mind that there is no deadline for coming out… wait until you're ready.
- Develop healthy techniques for expressing frustration, aggression or depression: exercise, speak to an understanding health professional or religious figure or indulge in the creative arts. Due to stressful environmental factors, substance abuse and suicide are disproportionately high for LGBTQ youth. Don't be a statistic.
- Connect with someone else who is LGBTQ-by phone or in person-who understands what you are going through and will affirm you along the way.
- Don't be rushed into sexual relations. Being LGBTQ is about more than sex. Know how to protect yourself with condoms, dental dams or - if it's right for you - abstinence.
- Go to your local college library. There is a long history of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people of all backgrounds who have written about their experiences - good and bad - that can provide inspiration and guidance.
- Avoid the stereotypes. Our community is often stereotyped on television, but there are many different types of LGBTQ people. You are not alone in your experience.
- Assault and sexual assault is a serious concern among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. If you are the victim of sexual assault, don't hesitate to report the crime to an adult you trust. No one has the right to touch you without your permission.
TAKE ACTION! LGBTQ young people deserve equal access to culturally competent healthcare.
For more information, please see:
Advocates for Youth (www.advocatesforyouth.org)
The National Youth Advocacy Coalition (www.nyacyouth.org)
OutProud (www.outproud.org)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (www.pflag.org)
YouthResource (www.youthresource.com)