Identify “safe spaces”, such as counselors’ offices or designated classrooms, where LGB youth can receive support from administrators, teachers, or other school staff.Encourage respect for all students and prohibit bullying, harassment, and violence against all students.To help promote health and safety among LGB youth, schools can implement the following policies and practices (with accompanying citations)
8 A recent study found that LGB students had fewer suicidal thoughts and attempts when schools had gay-straight alliances and policies prohibiting expression of homophobia in place for 3 or more years. For example, research has shown that in schools with LGB support groups (such as gay-straight alliances), LGB students were less likely to experience threats of violence, miss school because they felt unsafe, or attempt suicide than those students in schools without LGB support groups. Schools can implement evidence-based policies, procedures, and activities designed to promote a healthy environment for all youth, including LGB students. 3 In 2014, young gay and bisexual men accounted for 8 out of 10 HIV diagnoses among youth. 3 Nearly one-third (29%) of LGB youth had attempted suicide at least once in the prior year compared to 6% of heterosexual youth. LGB youth are at greater risk for depression, suicide, substance use, and sexual behaviors that can place them at increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). 3 While not a direct measure of school performance, absenteeism has been linked to low graduation rates, which can have lifelong consequences.Ī complex combination of factors can impact youth health outcomes. 5%) more likely to not go to school at least one day during the 30 days prior to the survey because of safety concerns, compared with heterosexual students. 4-6 According to the 2015 YRBS, LGB students were 140% (12% v. 1Įxposure to violence can have negative effects on the education and health of any young person and may account for some of the health-related disparities between LGB and heterosexual youth. A positive school climate has been associated with decreased depression, suicidal feelings, substance use, and unexcused school absences among LGB students. However, some LGB youth are more likely than their heterosexual peers to experience negative health and life outcomes.įor youth to thrive in schools and communities, they need to feel socially, emotionally, and physically safe and supported. Positive environments can help all youth achieve good grades and maintain good mental and physical health. Having a school that creates a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and having caring and accepting parents are especially important. Most lesbian, gay, bisexual, (LGB) youth are happy and thrive during their adolescent years. As that changes and data becomes available, this content will be updated to include information regarding transgender and questioning/queer youth. Historically, YRBS and other studies have gathered data on lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth but have not included questions about transgender and questioning/queer youth. Ways Parents Can Influence the Health of Their LGB Youth.