Queer Youth Are Struggling (YRBS Report part 2)
Recently, I wrote about the new CDC report showing alarming trends in youth health, particularly for LGBQ+ youth and girls. Though the full report hasn’t been released yet, even the summary contains complex data and trends. In this series, I’ll be breaking down some of the initial key findings and offering ideas for how to use the data to help youth in our communities.
Part 2: Queer Youth are Struggling (this post)
This post focuses on what the data tells us about LGBQ+ youth. Many of the news headlines have focused on adolescent girls; however, the LGBQ+ youth data is just as distressing.
A few notes before we begin:
The survey’s gender identity question only included options for “male” and “female.” Because of this, the report can’t provide any insights on transgender or nonbinary youth.
The survey included two questions related to sexuality - one asking which term best describes their sexual identity and one asking the sex of people with whom they’ve had sexual contact. Generally, the trends for youth who indicated having any sexual contact with someone of their same sex mirrored those of youth who indicated they were lesbian, gay, bisexual, identified some other way, or were questioning (LGBQ+).
Since this is a summary report, no information about the intersection of sexuality and gender identity was included.
Mental Health
Youth mental health has substantially worsened over the past 10 years. Although the summary report didn’t include a breakdown of data over time for LGBQ+ youth, it did provide that information for 2021. Overall, LGBQ+ youth were more likely than straight youth to have experienced persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness in the past year and poor mental health in the past 30 days. They were also more likely to have seriously considered suicide, made a suicide plan, attempted suicide, and been injured in a suicide attempt in the past year. Students who had any sexual contact with someone of their same sex were more likely than those who had not to report these mental health challenges.
Percentage of Youth Experiencing Poor Mental Health Indicators
Violence
The YRBS measured several types of violence. Again, a higher percentage of LGBQ+ students than straight students reported experiencing violence. During the past year, LGBQ+ students were more likely than straight students to miss school because of safety concerns, be bullied both electronically and on school property, and experience sexual violence. They were also more likely to have ever been forced to have sex. Students who indicated any sexual contact with someone of the same sex were more likely than those who did not to have experienced these types of violence.
Percentage of Youth Experiencing Types of Violence in Past Year
What Now?
The YRBS is a descriptive survey, which means we can’t use the data to determine why LGBQ+ youth and youth with same sex sexual contact are facing so many mental health challenges or experiencing higher levels of violence than peers. Understanding the cause is certainly an important part of figuring out a solution, but there are still actions we can take now. When we look at the YRBS data alongside other research (such as from The Trevor Project and GLSEN), some things become clear.
LGBTQ+ youth need safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces. Research shows that queer youth who have access to these spaces have improved mental health (for example, see recent studies by The Trevor Project and GLSEN). Since many students are not affirmed at home, school can be an important refuge. However, YRBS data shows that queer youth are less likely than straight youth to feel connected at school. Caring adults can help create affirming environments by:
Using the names and pronouns youth ask us to. If you aren’t sure, ask. If they change their mind in the future, use the new terms. This type of identity exploration is completely developmentally appropriate.
Taking immediate action against bullying based on gender and sexuality. Students need to feel safe at school in order to learn.
Talking to LGBTQ+ youth about their experiences in school. Ask them where they feel unsafe and what would make them feel safer. Help create safe spaces such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) and similar school groups, which have been shown to help students feel more connected to their school.
Speaking out against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, especially legislation targeting transgender youth. Even the introduction of these bills harms queer youth’s mental health. Knowing that adults in their community love and support them can help counteract those effects.
Violence prevention programs should address the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ youth. Including inclusive examples of genders, sexualities, and relationship types should be the baseline. Programs should also cover the larger systems of oppression that impact the experiences LGBTQ+ youth have with violence.
Remember that sexual identity and sexual behavior aren’t the same, and both need to be covered. Some youth who identify as straight have consensual sexual contact with people who are their same gender. Some queer youth have never had consensual sexual contact with anyone.
Create additional programs specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ youth in addition to including their needs in general programming. There are specific contexts and risk factors that can be best addressed in queer spaces. Some LGBTQ+ youth may not feel safe discussing these topics in a general audience.
Accurate sexual health information is a critical part of violence prevention. Whenever possible, tie STI and pregnancy prevention to behaviors instead of identities. For example, condoms are important for any sexual activity that involves a penis. Birth control is important for any sexual activity where pregnancy is possible. STI testing is important for anyone engaging in sexual activity. Gender Spectrum’s “Principles for Gender Inclusive Puberty and Health Education” is a great place to start learning.
Stay tuned for Part 3, which will discuss the findings related to violence reported by LGBQ+ youth and teenage girls.
