Complied by Kent Klindera, Lauren Patti, and Carrie Shriver February 1998, 2nd edition. Reprinted with Permission. Research suggests that homophobia and heterosexism greatly contribute to higher rates of suicide, violence victimization, risk behavior for HIV infection, and substance abuse among LGBT youth as compared to their heterosexual peers. In recent years however a number of promising programs have been established to help LGBT youth gain the skills and support needed in order to develop into healthy adults in a society that rejects their existence. Awareness of Sexual Orientation Research suggests that homosexual identity often begins in childhood.
Research indicates gay males recognize their sexual orientation at an earlier age than do females.
One study found that many gay males reported developing a gay identity around age 15, whereas lesbians reported developing their identity at 20. Open LGBT Identity Often means Family Rejection Many LGBT youth face rejection from their parents and relatives. After coming out to their family, or being discovered, many young people are thrown out of them home, mistreated, or become the focus of the family's dysfunction. Estimates of LGBT homeless youth vary, but youth service providers agree that rates are very high, ranging from 20-40 percent in various studies. School Dangerous Classmates often verbally and physically abuse LGBT students because of their orientation.