Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ Youth

1. Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ Youth Presented By Andrew Barnett, Executive DirectorSMYALOctober 4, 2012

2. According to the Center for American Progress, the average of coming out for LGBT youth is now 13.

3. Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia • The irrational fear of, hatred of, aversion to or discrimination against members of the LGBT community and/or LGBT culture and behavior. • Internalized Oppression: The process by which a member of an oppressed group comes to accept and live out the inaccurate myths and stereotypes applied to the group.

4. Heterosexism and Heteronormativity • The assumption of the inherent superiority of heterosexuality, and obliviousness to the lives and experiences of LGBT people, and the presumption that all people are, or should be, heterosexual. • An entrenched system of moral or religious beliefs, social attitudes, and legal and economic politics that offer privileges to heterosexuality over all other forms of sexual expression or reality.

5. Risk Factors for LGBT Youth • Suicidal ideation, depression and other mental health issues • Low self-esteem, feelings of isolation and confusion • Rejection from family, community, religious institutions • Harassment and victimization in schools • Dropping out of school • Alcohol and drug abuse/use • Homelessness • Unsafe sexual behavior

6. Risk Factors for LGBT Youth According to the 2007 DC Youth Risk Behavior Survey, lesbian, gay, bisexual and questioning youth in DC are more likely than their heterosexual peers to report: • Attempting suicide within the past year (37.8% vs. 8.4%) • Episodic heavy drinking (21.9% vs. 10.3%) • Illegal drug use including meth (23.7% vs. 2.6%) and heroin (18.1% vs. 2.7%) • Harassed or bullied on school property (37.0% vs. 14.9%) • Not going to school because they felt unsafe at or on their way to/from school (28.3% vs. 11.5%)

7. Impact of Family Rejection on LGBTQ Children • Research from the Family Acceptance Project (FAP) found that there was a direct correlation between familial accepting and rejecting behaviors and health outcomes for LGBTQ youth. • LGBTQ youth who experience rejecting behaviors are: • More than 8 times as likely to report attempted suicide. • Nearly 6 times as likely to report high levels of depression • More than 3 times as likely to report using illegal drugs • More than 3 times as likely to be at high risk for HIV and STDs • More information at http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/

8. Coming Out • Unique to LGBTQ people • A complex, life-long process. • Assessment of risks and benefits. • Depends upon context. • Task: Overcome the fear of being rejected, ridiculed, abandoned, harmed, or any other repercussions associated with coming out.

9. Effects of Coming Out • Overcome shame and fear around sexual orientation • No longer living in secrecy • Opportunity to find appropriate support networks • Opportunity to access more appropriate information and resources • Pride

10. Being an Ally • Practices acceptance, support and inclusiveness of LGBT persons • Is willing to be an advocate for LGBT persons and LGBT issues • Is aware of & comfortable with his or her own sexual orientation & the development of that orientation • Understands that there is great diversity within the LGBT community as with any other group

11. Resources: • PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) • www.pflag.org • GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network) • www.glsen.org • Advocates for Youth • www.advocatesforyouth.org • SMYAL (Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League) • www.smyal.org • The Trevor Project • www.trevorproject.org

12. Andrew Barnett Executive Director andrew.barnett@smyal.org 202-567-3151 SMYAL 410 7th Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 Main: 202-546-5940 http://www.smyal.org Contact Information

13. Thank You!