When Kids Don't Have a Straight Answer
March 2001
All adolescents struggle with issues surrounding sexuality and sex. But the pressures on gay and lesbian youth are far greater due to the isolation and confusion many suffer. Paul Sathrum of NEA's Health Information Network spoke to Karen Anderson and Dusty Porter of the American Psychological Association on health issues affecting gay teens.
Do gay teens face more significant health issues
than other youth?
Like all youth, gay and lesbian adolescents are navigating what can be difficult
and confusing years. But unlike other youth, many gay teens are trying to find
their way without the necessary support systems. Consequently, studies have
found a higher rate of risk-taking behavior among these students.
For example, a national study on adolescent health indicates that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth reported higher levels of emotional distress, greater use of marijuana, and earlier sexual debut. Gay and lesbian youth are at higher risk for using alcohol and other drugs, becoming a teen parent, and of having made a suicide plan or attempt.
Most alarming is the significant rate of HIV infection among young men with same-sex partners. From July 1998 to June 1999, 50 percent of all HIV diagnoses among adolescent males aged 13-19 were attributed to this.
Why is it so critical to recognize the specific
needs of gay students?
Many gay and lesbian teens face violence and harassment at school. A reported 69
percent have been verbally, physically, or sexually harassed at school, and as
many as 28 percent of all gay youth in high school drop out to escape such
treatment. School personnel need to recognize that hostile hallways are a health
issue, as well as a legal one.
Gay teens often report a sense of isolation and lack of visibility, and the fact that relatively few messages are targeted to gay teens compounds their sense of isolation.
For example, what does the message of "abstinence until marriage" say to a gay teen? One possible conclusion they may come to is, "I don't have to wait because I won't be getting married." By not developing messages that are specific to gay teens, we potentially could be placing them at greater risk.
It is important to note, however, that many gay and lesbian teens have sophisticated coping and resiliency skills, according to recent studies. These students use a broader range of coping resources than their heterosexual peers and may be more likely to develop greater interpersonal problem-solving skills.
Realistically, is it possible to identify students
who are gay?
This is difficult because there is no single standard to determine gay and
lesbian youth. Should a definition be based on attraction, behavior, or
identification? Depending on which standard is being used, the individuals
identified may be vastly different.
But we do know that gay and lesbian youth are coming out at earlier ages. Only a few years ago, the age of self-disclosure was between 18-22. Now gay youth are coming out as early as age 12. This trend may be due to increased media visibility and availability of resources such as the gay, lesbian, and straight student organizations that are forming to help young people attempting to deal with their sexual orientation.
What can schools and school staff do to address the
health issues of gay and lesbian youth?
In a national conference that focused on the needs of gay and lesbian students,
NEA President Bob Chase offered some specific steps:
First and foremost, it is imperative that all school personnel ensure that the school is a safe and healthy place to learn. Harassment, whether physical or emotional, has no place in the school building, and school policy should clearly dictate that such incidents against gay and lesbian youth should be dealt with as severely as those involving any other segment of the student population.
Keep in mind that gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning youth are as diverse as any other segment of the population. Stereotyping perpetuates misinformation and results in a large percentage of gay and lesbian students being overlooked.
Assess your own feelings and behavior regarding gay and lesbian youth, and examine your approachability. Whenever possible, use language that is gender neutral, especially language regarding sex and sexuality. Neutral language assures students that you are open and willing to support all youth, including gay and lesbian students.
Remember that school personnel can be powerful role models. If staff allow jokes and inappropriate language to go unchallenged, it sends a message that this type of behavior is acceptable.
Stay informed about local resources for gay and lesbian youth. This way, if you're confronted with a situation that you're unsure about, you can refer the individual to sources of community support.
Finally, assess all school services to see whether they are inclusive or exclusive, and if they are addressing the needs and concerns of gay and lesbian youth.
Remember, as with other sensitive social issues, we may never fully agree on issues around sexuality. But we must create a safe environment for all students.
The American Psychological Association's Healthy Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Students Project works with schools to help prevent risky behaviors and improve health outcomes for lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. www.apa.org/ed/lgbproj.html.
The Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Educators Network combats harassment and discrimination of gay students and school personnel. www.glsen.org.
Just the Facts about Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel. For a free copy, E-mail ccalhoun@nea.org.
Lesbian and Gay Youth: Care and Counseling by Caitlan Ryan and Donna Futterman, 256 pp., $50 from Columbia University Press, 800/944-8648.
The NEA's "Strengthening the Learning Environment: An Education Employee's Guide to Gay and Lesbian Issues." To order: 1/800-229-4200; http://www.nea.org.
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, www.pflag.org.
