LGBTQ Adolescents Research Articles

X (Twitter): A Protective Platform for Personal Revelations Among Indonesian LGBTQ Adolescents

Social media provides a protective space for LGBTQ adolescents to share their experiences and self-disclosures. Digital platforms such as X (Twitter) offer an environment that is distinct and more open compared to the conservative attitudes commonly found in traditional societies. However, not all social media platforms provide a safe space for LGBTQ adolescents to openly share their identities and personal experiences, highlighting an urgent need to create safer and more educational digital spaces. This study employs a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach to understand the self-disclosure experiences of LGBTQ adolescents on the X platform. The findings reveal that the X platform plays a crucial role in supporting the self-disclosure of LGBTQ adolescents in Indonesia. The motivations for self-disclosure include the desire to acquire and disseminate knowledge, personal expression, self-acceptance, and involvement in LGBTQ movements and groups. The feedback received in self-disclosure encompasses positive responses such as acceptance and recognition, as well as negative responses such as rejection and exclusion. The consequences of self-disclosure are divided into internal benefits, such as self-actualization and increased self-esteem, and external benefits such as social connections and recognition from the community. This study provides insights for social media platform developers to create more inclusive and supportive environments, despite limitations related to sample size and other factors that may influence the results. Future research is recommended to expand the sample size and explore the long-term impacts of online community support on the well-being of LGBTQ adolescents.

“God Did Not Create Us This Way”: An Investigation into the Experiences of School Counselors Working with Arab-Muslim LGBTQ Youth

ABSTRACT Schools play a key role in supporting, protecting, and advocating for LGBTQ students. However, educational programs worldwide tend to exclude and marginalize LGBTQ issues, especially when it comes to ethnic and racial minorities. In the current study, we examined Arab school counselors’ experiences of working with Arab-Muslim LGBTQ youth. After 100 counselors declined to participate, the study included semi-structured interviews with 60 female counselors in Arab-Muslim schools in Israel. Data were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Four main themes emerged: religious considerations, causal explanations of LGBTQ orientation, working practices, and supportive resources. Our findings point to the unique challenges facing Arab school counselors who are torn between their professional values and traditional norms. Among the strategies counselors used for managing this tension were separating LGBTQ orientation from LGBTQ adolescents, passive listening while avoiding proactive inquiry, and referring to LBGTQ orientation as a transient phase. Our findings emphasize the need to develop culturally relevant programs that address LGBTQ orientation for students, teachers, and families.

An Analysis of Tobacco and Marijuana Use by Middle School and High School Bisexual and Homosexual Students Surveyed by the National Youth Tobacco Survey From 2020 to 2022.

This study aimed to analyze tobacco and marijuana use by middle and high school students identifying as bisexual, gay, lesbian, or heterosexual using data from the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) spanning from 2020 to 2022. By comparing substance use patterns among different sexual orientation groups, the study sought to identify disparities and potential socioeconomic factors influencing these behaviors. Data from the 2020 to 2022 NYTS were analyzed, focusing on responses regarding ever use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana by students of varying sexual orientations. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to analyze differences in substance use and socioeconomic indicators between sexual orientation groups. Of the 37 541 students included in the analysis, significant differences in substance use were observed among bisexual, gay, lesbian, and heterosexual students. Bisexual and gay/lesbian students exhibited higher rates of ever use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and marijuana compared to heterosexual students. In addition, socioeconomic differences, such as lower rates of family vehicle ownership and reduced access to vacations, were noted among bisexual and gay/lesbian students. The findings underscore significant differences in tobacco and marijuana use by adolescents based on sexual orientation, mirroring differences observed in LGBTQ adults. These results highlight the importance of targeted interventions, educational initiatives, and support systems tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ youth. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and fostering inclusive environments are crucial steps in promoting the health and well-being of LGBTQ adolescents. Continued research and collaborative efforts are essential in mitigating health disparities and creating equitable environments for all adolescents.

Cultivating self-love applying mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to overcome self-harm and suicidal intentions in LGBTQ adolescents.

Cultivating self-love applying mindfulness-based cognitive therapy to overcome self-harm and suicidal intentions in LGBTQ adolescents.

Bullying and Oppressive Behaviors Towards LGBTQ Adolescents: Substance Use Disorders in the Making?

In this short communication, we discuss substance misuse and explore the genesis and exacerbation of drug use among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) teens. Early intervention, discussion, and education are critical components towards preventing possible negative outcomes for LGBTQ teens. We look at the possible connection between bullying and other oppressive behavior (such as shaming) and acknowledged substance use and suicide.

Heterogenous associations between Gender-Sexuality Alliances and LGBTQ adolescents' maladjustment across individual victimization level.

Gender-Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), which are student-initiated school clubs for LGBTQ youth and allies, can reduce victimization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth. This preregistered study identified heterogeneous correlates of GSAs, based on data from an anonymous survey of LGBTQ adolescents aged 13-17 years living in the United States (N=10,588). In line with the healthy context paradox (Pan et al. [Child Development, 92, 2021, and 1836]), the presence of a GSA exacerbated associations between LGBTQ-based victimization and depressive symptoms, lower self-esteem, and lower academic grades-particularly in transgender youth. Inclusive settings, such as GSAs, might prevent increasing disparities by including tailored strategies to monitor and support more vulnerable, victimized LGBTQ youth.

The Role of School and Community Involvement in the Psychosocial Health Outcomes of Black and Latinx LGBTQ Youth

PurposeLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified (LGBTQ) youth of color face poorer psychosocial health outcomes than their non-LGBTQ peers. Research suggests school-based and community activities promote psychosocial health for LGBTQ youth, but study samples are predominantly White. This study tested whether school enrollment and seven community activities were associated with LGBTQ community connectedness, happiness, and health among Black and Latinx LGBTQ youth. MethodsThis study used a subsample of Black and Latinx LGBTQ adolescents and young adults (N = 472) from the Social Justice Sexuality project. Mean differences in study variables were examined across intersectional racial/gender identity categories. Multiple regression analyses assessed the association of school enrollment and community activities with psychosocial health outcomes, accounting for covariates. ResultsSocial activities for LGBTQ people (ß = 0.19) and LGBTQ people of color (POC; ß = 0.15) were associated with greater LGBTQ connectedness. While moderate religious services attendance (ß = −0.13) was associated with lower LGBTQ connectedness, high attendance was associated with greater happiness (ß = 0.13) and health (ß = 0.12). Social activities for LGBTQ-POC (ß = 0.13) were also associated with better health. School enrollment was not significantly associated with any outcomes and Latinx transgender and diverse youth had the lowest happiness and health. DiscussionSocial activities for LGBTQ people and LGBTQ-POC may play a role in the social connectedness and health of Black and Latinx LGBTQ youth, while frequent religious service attendance may support health and happiness. Schools and faith institutions should ensure their institutions are welcoming to LGBTQ youth. Public health workers might facilitate the involvement and inclusion of LGBTQ youth, while policy should support funding for community activities.

For the LOvE of Reproductive Health Communication: Assessment of the LGBT Oncofertility Education (LOvE) Module.

Purpose: The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Oncofertility Education (LOvE) module aims to improve knowledge on providing inclusive and affirming care for LGBTQ adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer. The objective of this study is to evaluate the role of the module in improving reproductive health communication for the care of LGBTQ AYAs with cancer. Methods: A 10-item multiple-choice pre-test and post-test assessed learner knowledge, with total knowledge scores ranging from 0 (no correct responses) to 10 (all correct responses). A post-module survey and open-ended questions assessed relevance of the module, quality, and appropriateness to professional practice. Paired t-tests analyzed changes in knowledge before and after the module. Content analysis was applied to qualitative responses. Results: Thirty-seven learners completed both the pre-test and post-test. Around 8.1% correctly answered all pre-test questions; 59.5% correctly answered all posttest questions. The average pre-test score was 8.3, versus posttest score of 9.5 (p < 0.0001). Eighty-nine percent of learners strongly agreed that LOvE Enriching Communication Skills for Health Professionals in Oncofertility was relevant to their work; 95% strongly agreed that it was easy to understand and navigate. Open-ended responses highlighted how the module helped learners strengthen the provider-patient relationship in the context of oncofertility, create a safe space for patients, and understand the relevance of educational materials about fertility to LGBTQ patients. Conclusions: We found significant improvement in knowledge of reproductive health care for LGBTQ AYAs with cancer after completing the module. Improving provider knowledge may improve confidence in providing inclusive and affirming care for LGBTQ AYAs with cancer, resulting in improved whole-person care.

The Current Status of Sociopolitical and Legal Issues Faced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning Youth.

Adolescents today have unprecedented and uninterrupted access to news and current events through broadcast and social media. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) adolescents may be especially cognizant of media and public discourse pertaining to law and policy changes affecting the legal rights of their communities. The minority stress framework explains how sociopolitical discourse impacts mental health among sexual and gender minority youths. This paper identifies and describes contemporary sociopolitical and legal issues that may impact LGBTQ adolescents' mental health. Authors describe the minority stress framework as applied to gender and sexual identity and explore key sociopolitical and legal topics relevant to LGBTQ adolescents, including employment; medical care bans; health insurance coverage; conversion therapy; religious exemptions in health care; housing rights; and rights in schools and school districts, including participation in sports. LGBTQ youth experience rejection, prejudice, and discrimination directly through adverse legislative or administrative action and more pervasively through the dominant cultural beliefs and sociopolitical messaging that such developments manifest. Mental health clinicians who are aware of legal issues and sociopolitical debate pertinent to LGBTQ rights are better prepared to address their significant impact on LGBTQ adolescents' mental health.

Social Media Use and Health and Well-being of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Youth: Systematic Review.

BackgroundLesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals are at higher risk of poor mental health and well-being. Social media platforms can provide LGBTQ youths with a space that counters heteronormative environments and potentially supports mental health and well-being. Mental health includes an individual’s state of psychological and emotional well-being and not merely the absence of mental disorders.ObjectiveWe sought to identify how LGBTQ youths and adolescents use social media for connection with other LGBTQ peers and groups, identity development, and social support and how these affect mental health and well-being.MethodsPRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) procedures were used to guide this review. Searches were conducted in ACM Digital Library, CINAHL, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science in March 2021. This review focused on LGBTQ youths aged 10 to 24 years. Included peer-reviewed studies must comprise social media; explore peer connection, identity development, or social support; and be published from 2012 onward. In total, 2 researchers extracted data and performed quality assessments independently using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for quantitative articles and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative articles. Qualitative synthesis was performed on articles that satisfied the eligibility criteria.ResultsA total of 26 studies (n=15, 58% qualitative; n=8, 31% quantitative; n=3, 12% mixed methods) met the inclusion criteria. Of the 8 quantitative studies, 6 (75%) were cross-sectional, and 2 (25%) were cohort studies. All studies ranged from moderate to high quality. Social media was a popular tool used by LGBTQ youths to connect with LGBTQ communities. In qualitative data, we found that LGBTQ youths negotiated and explored identity and obtained support from peers on social media. Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter were commonly used to access LGBTQ content owing to ease of anonymity. Identity management was the most studied social media affordance, important to LGBTQ youths for strategic disclosure. Key strategies for managing identities included being anonymous, censoring locations or content, restricting audiences, and using multiple accounts. Quantitative studies (3/8, 38%) showed that social media was associated with reduced mental health concerns and increased well-being among LGBTQ youths. Mental health concerns arising from social media use were attributed to discrimination, victimization, and policies that did not accommodate changed identities.ConclusionsWe found that social media may support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ youths through peer connection, identity management, and social support, but findings were limited by weaknesses in the evidence. More robust and longitudinal studies are needed to determine the relationship between social media use and LGBTQ mental health, particularly among adolescents. The findings may inform interventions to promote social media health literacy and the mental health and well-being of this vulnerable group.Trial RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42020222535; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=222535

Parental Support, Depressive Symptoms, and LGBTQ Adolescents: Main and Moderation Effects in a Diverse Sample

ABSTRACT Objective Research has documented the importance of parental support as a protective factor against depressive symptoms among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth. In this study, we assessed the relations between LGBTQ-specific parental support and depressive symptoms. Method Participants were 6,837 LGBTQ youth (ages 13–17) with diverse racial and ethnic, gender, and sexual identities. Main effect and moderation analyses examined interactions between LGBTQ-specific parental support with demographic variables on depressive symptoms, considering demographics as moderators. Results We found that participants of color reported less LGBTQ-specific parental support than their White counterparts, that transgender and genderqueer participants reported less LGBTQ-specific parental support than their cisgender counterparts, and that non-monosexual participants reported less LGBTQ-specific parental support than their monosexual counterparts. Disparities in depressive symptoms were found for individuals who identified as Native American and Latinx, non-monosexual, and transgender and genderqueer, such that these groups reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. Further, we found a significant interaction between LGBTQ-specific parental support and ethnicity, with LGBTQ-specific parental support being less strongly associated with participants who identified as Latinx compared to those who did not identify as Latinx. We also found a significant interaction between LGBTQ-specific parental support and gender identity, with LGBTQ-specific parental support being more strongly related to depressive symptoms among participants who did not identify as boys compared to cisgender boys. Discussion We discuss how to assess the impact of interlocking systems of oppression when working with LGBTQ youth and their parental figures.

Diversity and Inclusion: Impacts on Psychological Wellbeing Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Communities.

For scholars, practitioners, and legislators concerned about sexual minority adolescents, one of the main goals is to create more positive and inclusive learning environments for this minority group. Numerous factors, such as repeated patterns of homophobic bullying by classmates and others in school, have been a significant barrier to achieving this goal. In addition, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adolescents encounter substantial inequality across a broad spectrum of wellbeing and education consequences. Compared with their heterosexual counterparts, LGBTQ adolescents experience more anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, antisocial behavior, poorer academic performance, less school attachment and protection, and a weaker desire to finish their studies. Such discrepancies based on gender and sexuality were linked to more maltreatment encountered by LGBTQ adolescents. It is crucial to recognize the backgrounds and expectations of LGBTQ adolescents to offer them the best resources. To overcome the inequality and obstacles faced by these LGBTQ adolescents, it is essential to examine tools and techniques that can be utilized. This study examined the literature that explains why society fails to provide enough support to LGBTQ students. Specifically, mechanisms explaining how LGBTQ adolescents interact with others in the learning environment and how such discrepancies arise will be examined. Following that, violence and prejudice, which are fundamental causes of psychological problems among LGBTQ adolescents, will be explored. This review paper thus provides supportive strategies for schools to develop more inclusive learning environments for LGBTQ adolescents.

An Intersectional Modeling of Risk for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury among LGBTQ Adolescents

An Intersectional Modeling of Risk for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury among LGBTQ Adolescents

Reducing behavioral health symptoms by addressing minority stressors in LGBTQ adolescents: a randomized controlled trial of Proud & Empowered

BackgroundMinority stress may lead to poorer mental health for sexual and gender minority adolescents, yet no interventions have been tested through an RCT to address these concerns.MethodsWe report on an RCT of an intervention—Proud & Empowered—with four high schools. Measures assess the intervention’s impact on mental health symptoms.ResultsCompared to the control, participants in the treatment condition reported significant differences in minority stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Moderation analyses showed that the intervention significantly moderated the relationship between minority stress and PTSD (b = -1.28, p = .032), depression (b = -0.79, p = .023), and suicidality (b = 0.14, p = .012) symptoms; those in the intervention condition had mitigated relationships between measures of stress and health outcomes compared to those in the control condition.ConclusionsResults suggest that Proud & Empowered help reduce mental health symptoms and exposure to minority stressors and build coping strategies.Trial RegistrationThe intervention was registered on clinicaltrials.gov on August 1, 2019 under Trial #NCT04041414.

38.3 Religious and Spiritual Self-Identification Among Psychiatrically Hospitalized LGBTQ Adolescents

Studies of religious and/or spiritual (R/S) self-identification between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and/or questioning (LGBTQ) and non-LGBTQ adolescents have yielded mixed findings. Despite potential impacts of R/S on suicide risk, prior studies have not examined these differences in adolescent psychiatric hospital settings. This study compared the degree to which LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents self-identify as R/S. Analyzing adolescent patients’ (12-17 years old; n = 334) psychiatric hospital admission forms, this study compared R/S self-identification among sexual orientation and gender identity groups using independent samples t tests and χ2 analyses. Spiritual and religious identity were assessed by 2 items: “To what extent do you consider yourself a spiritual person?” and “To what extent do you consider yourself a religious person?”. LGBTQ adolescents self-identified as significantly less religious than non-LGBTQ adolescents (t312 = 3.70; p < 0.001; d = 0.46). The prevalence of religious self-identification as “not at all religious” and “moderately religious” differed among gender identity and sexual orientation groups (χ2 [6, N = 313] = 18.67; p = 0.005). Proportionally more non-LGBTQ adolescents identified as “moderately” religious (26.5%) than transgender/questioning adolescents (3.7%; p = 0.009). The prevalence of “not at all religious” identification was lower for non-LGBTQ adolescents (27.0%) than either nontransgender LGBTQ adolescents (43.7%; p = 0.0008) or transgender/questioning adolescents (59.3%; p = 0.0006). Groups did not significantly differ in spiritual self-identification (p > 0.563). In a psychiatrically hospitalized sample, LGBTQ adolescents reported similar spiritual self-identification as non-LGBTQ adolescents but lower religious self-identification. Transgender/questioning adolescents were less likely to identify as “moderately” religious than non-LGBTQ adolescents, and both transgender/questioning and nontransgender LGBQ adolescents were more likely to identify as “not at all religious” than non-LGBTQ adolescents. Our findings suggest a need to assess both spirituality and religiosity when exploring mental health impacts of the intersection of R/S, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

1.4 Depression and Suicidality Among LGBTQ Adolescents in the United States

1.4 Depression and Suicidality Among LGBTQ Adolescents in the United States

A Clash of Sexual Gender Norms and Understandings: A Qualitative Study of Homosexual, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Adolescents’ Experiences in Junior High Schools

The objective of this study is to explore the inclusiveness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) adolescents in junior high school from the perspective of LGBTQ adolescents in Sweden. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 GBTQ adolescents aged 16 to 19. The study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority (Dnr: 2019-03816). A Braun and Clark inspired thematic analysis was performed through a theoretical lens inspired by Berger and Luckmann. The analysis resulted in three themes: (a) a navigator among peers as friends and bullies, (b) adults in school supported inclusion in and exclusion from the group of peers, and (c) non-heterosexuality and non-binary gender understanding as teaching projects in junior high school. In summary the LGBTQ adolescents face multiple challenges related to identity development in hetero- and cisnormative school environments, including adults and peers and their (re)actions. Inclusive and exclusive strategies exercised by the self, adults, and peers affect adolescents’ experiences of their school time. Initiatives to increase awareness and knowledge about the LGBTQ subject in school can lead to enhanced inclusion but also to an enhanced sense of not belonging. Inclusive initiatives can contribute to enhanced inclusion or its opposite, motivating further research into LGBTQ adolescents’ experiences of junior high school from a relational perspective.

The Role of LGBTQ Identity Pride in the Associations among Discrimination, Social Support, and Depression in a Sample of LGBTQ Adolescents

The current study examined the role of LGBTQ identity pride in the associations among discrimination, social support, and depressive symptoms in a sample of LGBTQ youth. As part of a larger study, 13,440 LGBTQ youth completed a survey assessing depressive symptoms, past-year bullying, family rejection, general and LGBTQ-specific teacher support, general and LGBTQ-specific family support, and LGBTQ identity pride. Findings showed that greater bullying and family rejection were associated with lower LGBTQ identity pride and, in turn, greater depression. Conversely, greater general and LGBTQ-specific teacher support and greater general and LGBTQ-specific family support were associated with greater LGBTQ identity pride and, in turn, lower depression. All of the indirect effects were significant when the predictors were examined in separate models and most remained significant when the predictors were examined simultaneously. LGBTQ identity pride may be a mechanism linking discrimination and social support to depression among LGBTQ youth.

Hungary's new anti-LGBTQ law: The medical profession must speak out about the harm it does to LGBTQ adolescents' health.

Hungary's new anti-LGBTQ law: The medical profession must speak out about the harm it does to LGBTQ adolescents' health.

Understanding Protective Factors for Suicidality and Depression Among U.S. Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents: Implications for School Psychologists

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth experience higher rates of adverse mental health outcomes, most notably suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). The current study examines risk and protective factors for STBs and depression among 1,078 youth in high schools. We examine these outcomes through an intersectional lens, and we extend the use of the minority stress theory framework by focusing on resilience and protective factors and argue that bias against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth should be addressed at the systemic, rather than the individual, level. Our findings suggest that family support is a notable factor protective of depression and suicide-related behavior among LGBTQ youth. Additionally, peer support, help-seeking beliefs, access to medical and counseling services, engaging in healthy activities, spirituality, and having trusted adults are protective factors for some groups. The nuanced findings in this study offer suggestions for school psychologists and professionals to promote healthy and safe school environments. Impact Statement The present study addresses the prevalence of suicide among LGBTQ adolescents and protective factors that may buffer their heightened risk. LGBTQ students are not inherently at risk because of their identities, but because of stigmatization they may face in society. As such, recommendations are provided to guide school psychologists and other professionals to foster a safe and inclusive environment for this population to reduce suicide risk.