GLBTQ Health and Rights

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBTQ) youth face tremendous difficulties growing up in a society where heterosexuality is often presented as the only acceptable orientation, and homosexuality is regarded as deviant. 

• 84.6 percent of GLBTQ students reported being verbally harassed, 40.1 percent reported being physically harassed and 19 percent reported being physically assaulted at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation.
  
  
• 20 to 40 percent of homeless youth may be GLBTQ.
  
  
• 85 percent of HIV infections diagnosed in young men ages 13-24 from 2005-2008 were attributed to male-to-male sexual contact.
  
  
• Few sex education programs include any positive discussion of homosexuality – and some preach against it.

But homophobia doesn't only affect GLBTQ people:  it's a symptom of deeper societal dysfunction around sexuality.  America's youth are growing up in a world where those who don't conform to standard gender roles are often bullied and harassed, and where human sexuality is feared and misunderstood. This status quo isn’t healthy for anyone.

Ending homophobia, and creating a world that accepts and values GLBTQ young people is vital for the safety and health of GLBTQ youth - and all young people. 

Read on to learn about GLBTQ health and rights.

GLBTQ Youth: A Population In Need of Understanding and Support (Advocates for Youth)

GLSEN Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network

The Trevor Project Crisis and Suicide Prevention Efforts among GLBTQ Youth

Copyright 2011 | contact@letstalkaboutsexthefilm.com | Flag Photograph Copyright James Houston
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX was produced in collaboration with Advocates for Youth.