Is it natural to be homosexual, bisexual, or queer?
The idea that everyone is born heterosexual and anything else is unnatural has been debated for decades and continues to be a popular discussion. Up until 1973, the American Psychiatric Association still considered homosexuality to be a mental disorder. Thankfully, they've since removed it from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The fact of the matter is most scientists will now agree that sexual orientation is at least partially determined by genetics — meaning that, yes, children are "born this way." From 1938-1956, the Rockefeller Foundation and Indiana University funded a study on human sexual behavior that came to be known as the Kinsey Report. In this report, it was discovered that only 10% of the population are exclusively heterosexual or homosexual (Koppelman, 2014). While this report is somewhat controversial, most scientists will agree on the fact that sexuality is fluid and homosexual tendencies are completely natural regardless of any disagreements over exact percentages. At some point in their lives, most people will experience some form of sexual attraction to a member of the same-sex. In fact, by the age of 15, 25% of boys and 5% of girls will have participated in at least one homosexual act (Berk, 1993). Does this mean that everyone is homosexual? Does this mean we are all bisexual? No. Sexual behavior alone does not determine sexual orientation (Mallon, 201o). Sexuality is a very complex thing that cannot easily be defined. The thing that we should take away from this isn't a percentage or a label, it's that any sexual orientation is completely natural. |
What risk factors are common for LGBTQ youth?
Before we discuss the risk factors that are often associated with LGBTQ youth, it is important to realize that sexual orientation and non-gender normative identities is not a risk factor in and of itself. Instead, increased vulnerability stems from social, cultural, and psychological factors that may be the result of a heteronormative environment (Cover, 2012). Switching the blame away from LGBTQ youth and their supposed "predisposition" to certain behavior and negative outcomes does not promote acceptance and equality is the first step needed to change LGBTQ youth outcomes. The risk is not in being queer, but instead is being queer within a certain context and cultural environment.
SuicideIt is a proven fact that being queer in any way increases the likelihood of teen suicide. While statistics are not always consistent across the board, studies have shown that LGBTQ youth are more likely to attempt and commit suicide than their peers. A Department of Health Report on youth suicide found that LGBTQ youth were up to five times more likely to attempt suicide (1989). While girls are more likely to attempt suicide, boys are more likely to succeed (Berk, 1993). LGBTQ youth who have attempted suicide reported problems with family relationships, bullying from peers, school performance, and self-perception (Wormer & McKinney, 2003).
If you suspect that a student might be contemplating suicide, consult with your school counselor, psychiatrist or social worker immediately. BullyingThe school environment can be a toxic place for LGBTQ youth who commonly experience bullying. LGBTQ youth report feelings of victimization at school at an alarmingly high rate. 63.5% of students feel unsafe due to their sexual orientation. 43% of students feel unsafe due to their gender expression. 81.9% of students have been verbally harassed and 38.3% of students have been physically harassed in the past year because of their sexual orientation (Kosciw, Greytak, Bartkiewicz, Boesen & Palmer, 2011). When one LGTBQ youth was asked about his feelings about being verbally assaulted, he replied that bullying was a given (Mallon, 2010). Students think that being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or even simply going against societal gender norms is automatic grounds for bullying. Students feel as if they can get away with bullying LGBTQ youth because most teachers and school officials turn a blind eye to homophobic and transphobic language and aggression. Less than a fifth of students report hearing a teacher intervene when negative remarks are made to LGBTQ youth (Kosciw, Greytak, Bartkiewicz, Boesen & Palmer, 2011).
DepressionDepression rates among LGBTQ youth are exceptionally high. Growing up in a heterosexist society can create feelings of isolation and internalized homophobia in LGBTQ youth. While girls typically have higher depression rates, the jock culture in high schools creates insecurity in males who might not feel secure in their masculinity (Wormer & McKinney, 2003). Depression can lead to other problems such as anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, and suicide and should not be taken lightly (Mallon, 2010). If you suspect a child is depressed, speak to your school counselor, psychiatrist, or social worker.
Substance AbuseLGBTQ youth are more likely to use drugs and have higher rates of substance abuse than their peers. Certain drugs appear to be more common in the LGBTQ community, however all types of drugs and alcohol can be used. While few studies have been done on women, gay and bisexual men are significantly more likely to use marijuana, stimulants, sedatives, cocaine and party drugs (Pride Institute, 2013). Alcohol usage is common as well. Substance use is not only illegal for teens, it is also incredibly dangerous and can be fatal. All students can benefit from substance abuse education. If you suspect a substance abuse problem, speak to your school counselor, psychiatrist, or social worker.
HomelessnessHomelessness is a huge problem in the LGBTQ community. There are an estimated 125,000 homeless teenagers that identify as LGBTQ (Wormer & McKinney, 2003). Almost 50% of all homeless youth are LGBTQ (Mallon, 2010). The most common reason for homelessness among the LGBTQ community is family conflict. Many homeless youth report being through out of their homes for their sexual orientation and gender identity. Others runaway because their family disapproves of them. Lack of support at home is a very serious, and sadly common, issue for LGBTQ.
While teachers can't force families to approve of their child's sexual orientation and gender identity, we can provide a safe and accepting environment for students during school hours. We can make an effort to let LGBTQ youth feel welcome and understood so that they know there is nothing wrong with them. STDsSexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a widespread problem for all adolescents. Of any age group, adolescents are at the highest risk of contracting an STD (Berk, 1993). STDs are 100% preventable, yet most teens do not engage is safe sex practices. LGBTQ youth are at an increased risk for STDs because they are unlikely to receive appropriate safe-sex education.
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