Addressing the Needs of LGBTQ Youth Presented By Andrew Barnett, Executive Director SMYAL October 4, 2012

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

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.

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.

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

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%)

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

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.

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

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

Resources: PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)  GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian Straight Education Network)  Advocates for Youth  SMYAL (Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League)  The Trevor Project 

Contact Information Andrew Barnett Executive Director SMYAL 410 7th Street, SE Washington, DC Main:

Thank You!