Sunday, October 3

Suicide among LGBT youth

Suicide among LGBT 
youth facts,
Researchers have found that suicide among LGBT youth is comparatively higher than among the general population due to a combination of social factors, including homophobia, mental illness and drug use. Mental illness and drug use among LGBT people have both been shown to increase significantly after new laws that discriminate against gay people are passed.

.
Reports and Studies,

"Approximately 25 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual students and university employees have been harassed due to their sexual orientation, as well as a third of those who identify as transgender, according to the study and reported by the Chronicle of Higher Education"
In addition, "LGBQ students were more likely than heterosexual students to have seriously considered leaving their institution as a result of harassment and discrimination."
Dr. Susan Rankin, a contributing author to the report in Miami, found that “Unequivocally, The 2010 State of Higher Education for LGBT People demonstrates that LGBTQQ students, faculty and staff experience a ‘chilly’ campus climate of harassment and far less than welcoming campus communities,."

Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide,
A controversial U.S. government study, titled Report of the Secretary's Task Force on Youth Suicide, published in 1989, found that LGBT youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than other young people. Many homosexual teenagers who commit suicide may also suffer from mental illnesses or substance abuse disorders, making the connection more complicated,. 
Institutionalized and internalized homophobia,

Institutionalized and internalized homophobia may also lead LGBT youth to not be accepting of themselves and have deep internal conflicts about their sexual orientation. LGBT youths are also very frequently kicked out of their parent's house at an early age after coming out,.

Homosexuality hidden among youths,

It is impossible to know the suicide rate of homosexual youth because homosexuality is often hidden, particularly in this age group. Further research is currently being done to explain the prevalence of suicide among LGBT youths. In 2004, 1,985 American adolescents under the age of 20 committed suicide, an increase of 18% from the previous year,.

The Trevor Project,

The Trevor Project is an American non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The Trevor Helpline, a toll-free number, is a confidential service that offers trained counselors. The Trevor Project also provides guidance and vital resources to parents and educators in order to foster safe, accepting and inclusive environments for all youth, at home
and at school.

See also

  • Suicide of Ryan Halligan








  • Cyber-bullying research





  • Tyler Clementi





  • (source:wikipedia)

    No comments:

    Post a Comment