Health and Discrimination Challenges Facing LGBTQ Youth

Introduction

Numerous research studies have revealed that both male and female homosexual teenagers in America face danger not only from traditional cultural forces but also from risks associated with their sexual and non-sexual behavior and habits. Discrimination against LGBTQ youth has been an extensively researched topic. Many scholars have called for better curricula and safer school environments for children from all backgrounds, so that young people grow up appreciating sexual diversity.

People who oppose homosexuality ought to know that this phenomenon is an extremely old tradition with deep cultural roots, and as such it deserves the same respect accorded to all ancient cultural practices. As Carla Mathison (1998) writes, "Gay men and lesbians are not identified by their sex, ethnicity, religion, geographic location, socioeconomic status, or ability level, but by their orientation to their own gender that includes, but is not limited to, sexual intimacy."

Historical and Cultural Context of Homosexuality

Mathison (1998) further highlights the contributions of many pioneering homosexuals throughout history, individuals who have had a significant influence on the cultural development of numerous civilizations. It is important to note that while many important and pioneering historical figures have turned out to be homosexual, discrimination against homosexuals has increased rather than decreased. This poses a serious threat not only to gay and lesbian individuals but also to the broader American value system.

As Mathison (1998) writes, "The contributions of gay men and lesbians — from politicians and athletes to economists, mathematicians, and educators — have been critical to society. Aristotle, Socrates, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and others laid the foundation for much of the framing of the modern world. More recently, authors James Baldwin, Willa Cather, Langston Hughes, Yosano Akiko, and Rita Mae Brown, and musicians from Tchaikovsky to blues singer Bessie Smith, pop artist Elton John, conductor Leonard Bernstein, and composers Benjamin Britten and Oscar Hammerstein have produced artful portrayals of the universal themes of joy and sorrow. The Aboriginal people considered homosexuals to be mystics and referred to gay and lesbian people as 'two-spirited,' having both male and female spirits. Before Europeans came to North America, many Native cultures gave those who came to be known as berdaches a special and honored place in society. Yet, in recent history, gay and lesbian people have been ignored or persecuted for a variety of complex and tragic reasons."

Physical and Mental Health Risks Among LGBTQ Youth

The health trends among homosexual adolescents have been studied in detail by Lisa Armistead and Shira Maguen (2000), who write: "Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 21 now account for 25% of newly reported HIV infections, and two adolescents under the age of 21 become infected with HIV every hour. While adolescent infection rates are increasing as a whole, gay and bisexual male adolescents are particularly at risk. In New York City, 9% of gay or bisexual men between the ages of 18 and 24 are HIV-infected, and in San Francisco up to 17.9% of these young males are infected. In a Houston study, although only 2% of adolescents reported male-to-male sexual contact, they accounted for 22% of all HIV-positive cases, with approximately 10% of males who have sex with males testing HIV-positive."

HIV rates among youth are a well-documented public health concern. Armistead and Maguen (2000) further note that lesbian and bisexual female adolescents may also be at elevated risk: "Studies have shown that some lesbians and bisexual women have unprotected vaginal intercourse with their gay and bisexual male friends — 32% of lesbian youth reported having at least one gay or bisexual male sex partner. Furthermore, in one study, 3 of 17 HIV-positive female adolescents identified as bisexual and had sex with other women."

While much research has focused on risk-taking behavior, several studies have also shown that fear of disclosure is a major barrier to HIV testing. As Armistead and Maguen (2000) write, "There are several additional beliefs about HIV testing that may prevent young people from seeking testing, such as fear that others will find out the results without their consent. For gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth, concerns regarding exposure of their sexual orientation upon testing HIV-positive may also play an inhibitory role. Although it is possible to speculate about which barriers are most relevant to adolescents — especially gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents — there has been little systematic research on why most of these adolescents do not seek HIV testing."

Several research studies have also revealed that homosexual youth are at increased risk of stress, anxiety, and depression, as they fear that revelation of their identity may prompt negative reactions from family, friends, and relatives. Research further suggests that emotional and mental stress tends to intensify when a young person's homosexual identity is disclosed at an earlier age. As Mary Ellen Colten and Susan Gore (1991) note, "Gay youths have unique sources of stress — issues of disclosing or being discovered by family or friends, reactions by others to their homosexuality, and chronic stress associated with their homosexuality. One- to two-thirds of gay youths reported experiencing stressors in the gay domain."

Conclusion

This paper reveals some of the most vital problems faced by homosexual teenagers in America. It is clear from the evidence presented that educators need to launch a coordinated effort to teach students to be open and to accept diversity in all its manifestations. However, simply reforming educational environments will not be sufficient to foster positive identities among homosexual youth. Family members, friends, and relatives must also begin to accept gay and lesbian individuals as valued members of their family and social networks.