LGBTQ Youth Research Articles

Vietnamese LGBTQ Youth’s Transition to Adulthood: Expressions of Agency

The study examines how Vietnamese LGBTQ youth express their agency as they transition to adulthood. Utilizing in-depth interviews with LGBTQ youth between the ages of 18 and 28, the study identifies different forms of strategies these young people employ to define, make sense of, or affirm their gender and sexual identities. In addition to managing their visibility to ensure safety, these youth can make sense of their feelings and experiences through inclusive knowledge about LGBTQ, or they may express themselves publicly and challenge heteronormativity and cisnormativity. The use of social media can give them tools for self-expression and advocacy, while financial independence and mobility can help them negotiate autonomy against normative expectations. As a contribution to LGBTQ emerging adulthood and youth research, the study highlights how social landscapes can limit the choices available for youth’s expressions of agency, while simultaneously providing them with materials to exercise control.

Children's Television and its Effects on LGBTQ Youths’ Identity Milestones, Acceptance, and Comfort in Identity

Television has the power to influence and change a viewer's beliefs through the content and characters of a show. This study investigates to what extent the television LGBTQ young adults watched as a child affects their sexuality and gender identity development later on in life. My hypotheses were that watching representative television as a child would increase self-acceptance, lower the age of identity milestones, create positive views on the content of children's television, and increase comfort in identity. This study utilizes a mixed-methods survey for LGBTQ individuals ages 18-21 residing in the US. Using comparisons of means, Spearmans correlational analysis, and analyzing themes, I found no evidence to solidly confirm or deny my hypotheses. Quantitative data does not point towards a relationship between LGBTQ identity development and childhood television, while qualitative results do show that those who watched directly representative television as a child felt more positively about their identity development.

Review of the Literature on the Intersection of LGBTQ Youth and CSEC: More Than a Monolith

Review of the Literature on the Intersection of LGBTQ Youth and CSEC: More Than a Monolith

SAT414 Gender Identity And Sexual Orientation Among Patients Evaluated By Psychiatric In A Pediatric ED

Abstract Disclosure: D. Alejandro: None. A. Martinez: None. C. Escudero: None. G. Rieger: None. Background: Over the two decades the number of transgender and Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) youth has increased significantly. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions has been reported to be high among this population. In this report we explore gender identity and sexual orientation among patients evaluated by psychiatry in an emergency room of a pediatric hospital. Methods: We reviewed the charts of 220 patients who were evaluated by a psychiatric social worker in the emergency department between August and October 2022. Gender identity and sexual orientation were documented in 118 of these patients. Results: Of 118 patients, ranging in age from 10 to 21 years, whose gender identity and sexual orientation were evaluated, 78 (66%) were Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) and 40 (33%) were Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB). Hispanic ethnicity was represented in 78% (93) of our population followed by Non-Hispanic White in 13% (16).Of AFAB, 12 patients (15%) identified as trans-male and 10 (13%) identified as non-binary. Of AMAB, one (2.5%) was identified as non-binary and three (7%) were unsure. Regarding sexual orientation, 26 (33%) of AFAB reported being heterosexual, 23(29%) bisexual, 5 (6.4%) pansexual and 9 (11.5%) were unsure/exploring. Among trans-males, 4(33%) identified as bisexual, 3 (25%) as gay, 2(16%) as pansexual, 2(16%) were unsure and one (8%) did not respond. Twenty-eight (70%) of AMAB reported to be heterosexual, 4 (10%) bisexual, one (2.5%) gay, 4 (10%) were unsure/exploring. The only trans-female reported to be bisexual. Regarding identified psychiatric diagnoses, major depressive disorder was reported in 83% of our population, being AFAB the most affected in 67%. Conclusions: The prevalence of transgender/GNC among pediatric patients evaluated by a psychiatric social worker at a children’s hospital emergency department is significantly higher than in the general population. Non-heterosexual sexual orientation is also higher than in the cisgender population. Emergency department providers in pediatric emergency facilities should receive formal training in the evaluation and management of LGBTQ youth. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

58.1 Pornography, Sexual Activity, and Sexting: LGBTQ Youth

58.1 Pornography, Sexual Activity, and Sexting: LGBTQ Youth

11.3 Identity and Acceptance: Building Specialized Services for LGBTQ Youth in Child Welfare

11.3 Identity and Acceptance: Building Specialized Services for LGBTQ Youth in Child Welfare

Improving Community-Based Mental Health Services for LGBTQ Youth

Improving Community-Based Mental Health Services for LGBTQ Youth

Preparing LGBTQ youth for the high school to college transition: a multidimensional approach

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) students experience a host of poor high school to college transition outcomes when compared to their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts (Rankin et al., 2010; Sanlo, 2004). The current paper proposes a multidimensional framework for assessing college readiness, developed to address the unique needs of college-aspirational and early-college LGBTQ students. It identifies four key areas relevant to supporting LGBTQ students’ success during the high school to college transition. The role of peer, family, school, and individual differences will be discussed relative to supporting positive academic, mental health, and social-behavioral outcomes among college-aspirational and early-college LGBTQ youth.

The re‐emerging suicide crisis in the U.S.: Patterns, causes and solutions

AbstractThe suicide rate in the United States has risen nearly 40% since 2000. This increase is puzzling because suicide rates had been falling for decades at the end of the 20th century. In this paper, we review important facts about the changing rate of suicide. General trends do not tell the story of important differences across groups—suicide rates rose substantially among middle‐aged persons between 2005 and 2015 but have fallen since. Among young people, suicide rates began a rapid rise after 2010 that has not abated. We review empirical evidence to assess potential causes for recent changes in suicide rates. The economic hardship caused by the Great Recession played an important role in rising suicide among prime‐aged Americans. Among those under 25, nearly all the increase in suicide mortality during the 2010s can be explained by an increase in the prevalence of depression. Bullying victimization of LGBTQ youth could also account for part of the rise in suicide. The evidence that access to firearms or opioids are major drivers of recent suicide trends is less clear. We end by summarizing evidence on the most promising policies to reduce suicide mortality.

Guided LGBTQ-affirmative internet cognitive-behavioral therapy for sexual minority youth's mental health: A randomized controlled trial of a minority stress treatment approach

ObjectiveLGBTQ-affirmative cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) addresses the adverse impacts of minority stress. However, this treatment has rarely been tested in randomized controlled trials with LGBTQ youth and never using an asynchronous online platform for broad reach. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, preliminary efficacy, and multi-level stigma moderators of LGBTQ-affirmative internet-based CBT (ICBT). MethodParticipants were 120 LGBTQ youth (ages 16–25; 37.5% transgender or non-binary; 75.8% assigned female at birth; 49.2% non-Latino White) living across 38 U.S. states and reporting depression and/or anxiety symptoms. Participants were randomized to receive 10 sessions of LGBTQ-affirmative ICBT or only complete 10 weekly assessments of mental and behavioral health and minority stress; all completed measures of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, alcohol use, and HIV-transmission-risk behavior at baseline and 4 and 8 months post-baseline; 20 LGBTQ-affirmative ICBT participants completed a qualitative interview regarding intervention acceptability. ResultsParticipants randomized to LGBTQ-affirmative ICBT completed, on average, 6.08 (SD = 3.80) sessions. Participants reported that LGBTQ-affirmative ICBT was helpful and engaging and provided suggestions for enhancing engagement. Although most outcomes decreased over time, between-group comparisons were small and non-significant. LGBTQ-affirmative ICBT was more efficacious in reducing psychological distress than assessment-only for participants in counties high in anti-LGBTQ bias (b = −1.73, p = 0.001, 95% CI [-2.75, −0.70]). Session dosage also significantly predicted reduced depression and anxiety symptoms. ConclusionsLGBTQ-affirmative ICBT represents a feasible and acceptable treatment. Future research can identify more efficacious approaches and modalities for engaging LGBTQ youth, especially those living under stigmatizing conditions, who might benefit most.

LGBTQ youth mental health and COVID: where we are & next steps

Abstract Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) youth bear a disproportionate burden of mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic relative to non-LGBTQ youth due to systemic disadvantages and barriers that LGBTQ youth uniquely face. Efforts in the US to minimize the pandemic’s impact are inadequate or impeded by a growing wave of anti-LGBTQ sentiment and legislation. As such, public health and policy play a crucial role in implementing necessary systemic change.

Influence of Online Dating Apps on Sexual Risk Behaviors among Homosexual and Bisexual Adolescents and Youths in Thailand: An Online Cross-sectional Survey

Objective: The internet and social media enhance communication, education, and social connection among users; however, some adverse effects on health are notable, particularly sexual risk engagement and mood problems. Mobile dating applications (apps)/websites facilitate high sexual-risk access, particularly among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. Recognition of the characteristics of using these platforms and identifying factors related to high sexual risk among LGBTQ youths will facilitate both targeting of those at risk and subsequent intervention. Materials and Methods: Adolescents and youths were invited to voluntarily join this study, scan the QR code, and anonymously complete the questionnaires. These validated questionnaires were launched online via a popular platform among LGBTQs during 2017-2018. Multiple logistic regression was employed to identify factors independently associated with high sexual risk among study subjects. Results: Of 360 participants (mean age: 21±2.8 years, range: 11-25), 60.8% self-reported as homosexual, and the rest were bisexual. Median dating app/website usage was 2 (range 1-10). Two-thirds (62.8%) met partners from those e-platforms, and most (79.6%) developed a sexual relationship. Over half (52.2%) did not use a condom, and one-third (30.6%) abused substances during sex. Poor condom compliance, multiple partners, and substance use were strongly associated with individuals who used >2 apps for longer than 3 years. Depression susceptibility was 32.2%, and was related to condom-use failure (p=0.01). Conclusion: Among LGBTQs, the greater the number and longer time exposed to dating apps/websites, the higher the number of sexual risk behaviors. Moreover, unsafe sex increased among individuals at risk for depression.

A latent profile analysis of perceived family reactions to youth LGBTQ identity.

Family members' reactions to youth identity disclosure are important predictors of well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ) youth. To better understand potential variation within and across families' current reactions, this study established latent profiles of family level reaction patterns and examined predictors and outcomes associated with these patterns. In 2011-2012, LGBTQ youth (N = 447, Mage = 18.8) rated their mother's, father's, brother's, and sister's reactions to their LGBTQ identity and reported their own depressive symptoms and self-esteem. Latent profile analysis tested patterns of family members' reactions. Most participants reported either moderately positive reactions (49.2%) or very positive reactions (34.0%) from all family members, though 16.8% of youth reported negative reactions from all family members. Youth social positions and demographic factors predicted profile membership: transgender youth, youth-assigned male at birth, older age at first disclosure predicted membership in the negative family reaction profile, whereas gay youth, having a parent and/or sibling with an LGBTQ identity, coresidence with either mothers, fathers, or siblings, and more years since first disclosure predicted membership in the very positive family reaction profile. Multiracial youth and younger youth were more likely to be in the moderately positive family reaction profile. Youth in families characterized by negative reactions had higher depressive symptoms and lower self-esteem compared to those who reported moderately positive or very positive reactions. Findings underscore the interconnectedness of family members' reactions and suggest that interventions for LGBTQ youth with rejecting and/or less accepting family members may need to target the entire family system. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

LGBTQ Caregiver Acceptance Scale (LCAS): Development and validation with a Latinx sample.

Caregiver acceptance and rejection is crucial to the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. Research shows that caregivers are affected by having an LGBTQ child/family member, yet studies have neglected to capture the experiences of Latinx caregivers. We present the development and initial validation of the LGBTQ Caregiver Acceptance Scale (LCAS) with a Latinx sample. We developed items based on a review of the literature, expert feedback (N = 9), and community member feedback (N = 9; Study 1). We then assessed the factor structure through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) in a sample of 215 Latinx caregivers of LGBTQ people (Study 2). The final LCAS consists of 40 items and six dimensions of Latinx caregivers' acceptance and rejection of their LGBTQ child/family member: Outness, Caregiver Acceptance, Concealment, Respeto, Attitudes Toward Queer Parenting, and Supportive Actions. Convergent and divergent validity was performed to compare the LCAS to other constructs of caregiver acceptance and rejection, family conflict and cohesion, and attitudes toward the LGBTQ community. As hypothesized, all subscale scores and total score were found to be significantly correlated with the constructs used for comparison. This validated measure of LGBTQ-specific acceptance and rejection among caregivers provides a rich opportunity to understand family processes and help inform evidence-based interventions. We provide implications for clinicians working with Latinx caregivers of LGBTQ youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Signs, Songs, and Dr. Seuss: The Activism of LGBTQ College Students Challenging the Hostile Messages of Campus Preachers

ABSTRACT LGBTQ youth participation in activism on university campuses helps students to build resiliency and thrive as college students. Campus preachers are a catalyst of such activism among LGBTQ students and their allies. Sociological research has largely overlooked LGBTQ activism aimed at localized conditions such as campuses. Additionally, the phenomenon of campus preachers is largely absent from the social science literature. The current study targets this gap by examining the tactics college students use to contest the anti-LGBTQ messages of campus preachers at their universities. The dataset consists of articles drawn from online student newspapers at four-year, public universities in the United States, published between 2010 and 2020. Centered in the framework of contestation, intentionality, and collective identity, our analysis reveals the LGBTQ students asserted their agency and visibility by challenging the anti-LGBTQ messages of campus preachers through intentionally selected tactics, and in doing so, they often built solidarity with non-LGBTQ students. We conclude that by engaging in such activism aimed at the localized campus culture, LGBTQ students used the visitations of the campus preachers as opportunities to engage the intrapersonal and interpersonal components of thriving, employing agency, creativity, resilience, and social connectedness to counter the messages designed to denigrate and oppress them.

Protection and Connection: Negating Depression and Suicidality among Bullied, LGBTQ Youth.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) youth are particularly at risk of bullying and other forms of violence, and the myriad of risk factors associated with instances of victimization. Interdisciplinary research finds that certain protective factors-biological, psychological, familial, or community-level characteristics that reduce the impact of risk and problematic outcomes-mitigate the effects of victimization. Using data from the 2019 Nashville Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System (YRBSS), this study examines the effects of bullying and electronic bullying on LGBTQ (n = 303) and heterosexual/cisgender (n = 1104) 9th to 12th-grade students' depression and suicidality, and the role that protective factors play in mitigating these effects. Logistic regression results show that students who feel safe at school, feel valued by their community, and seek help are less likely to report depression and suicidality overall, when they are LGBTQ, and when they are bullied. These findings point to the importance of solidifying personal, school, and community-level support systems for youth, especially LGBTQ youth.

Protective Environmental Factors and Opioid Use Among Sexual Minority Youth.

Objectives: Nonmedical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) is a pressing public health concern and affects sexual minority youth (SMY) at greater rates than heterosexual youth. We investigated whether protective environmental factors-(1) Human Rights Campaign's state equality index (SEI) and (2) supportive school environments for LGBTQ youth, influenced NMUPO among SMY and non-SMY students. Methods: We combined data from the 2017-2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2016-2018 School Health Profiles, state-level socio-demographic and SEI data across 24 states (N=156,149). Generalized linear mixed models examined associations between (1) SEI and (2) supportive school environments for LGBTQ youth, with NMUPO, accounting for clustering at the school-and state-level. Results: Before adjustment, we found that youth in states with higher SEI were significantly less likely to engage in NMUPO compared to students in states with lower SEI, a relationship that became non-significant after adjustment. After adjusting for individual-and state-level indicators, SMY in states with supportive school environments for LGBTQ youth were less likely to engage in NMUPO. Conclusions: Supportive school environments for LGBTQ youth may play an important role in the health of SMY. Establishing more inclusive policies and supportive environments within schools may reduce NMUPO among SMY.

Losing a Close Friend or Family Member Due to COVID-19 and Mental Health among LGBTQ Youth

This study examines the association between having lost a close friend or family member to COVID-19 and mental health outcomes among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) youth. Data come from 33,993 respondents in the United States, ages 13 to 24, who completed an online survey of LGBTQ youth mental health. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the adjusted odds of recent anxiety, depression, considering, or attempting suicide in the past year based on whether or not the youth reported having lost a close friend or family member to COVID-19. Among the full sample, experiences of COVID-19 loss were associated with recent anxiety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20–1.40), recent depression (aOR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.15, 1.32]), seriously considering suicide in the past year (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI (1.14, 1.30)), and attempting suicide in the past year (aOR = 1.55, 95% CI (1.41, 1.69)). These findings highlight the urgent need for investment in low-barrier, affirming mental health services for LGBTQ youth who have experienced COVID-19 loss to support their grief, overall mental health, and healthy development.

Family, faith, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among LGBTQ youth in Utah.

Family, faith, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) among LGBTQ youth in Utah.

Canon, Catechism, and Curriculum: GSAs and Student Mental Health in Ontario Catholic Schools

The permissibility of student GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) clubs in Ontario has been heavily disputed, with Catholic schools showing particular resistance. With a history of opposing same-sex rights, Canada’s Catholic Church holds great social, economic, and political power. This institution-level power generates extensive structural stigma that harms the LGBTQ community, including adolescents. Stigmatization provokes emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and physiological responses that compound each other, altering one’s health. Through the use of accepted socio-epidemiological guidelines for establishing causal inference along with data from a Canadian report on homophobia and transphobia in both Catholic and public schools, it is evident that structural stigma, expressed through prejudice against GSAs in Ontario Catholic schools, is harmful to the health of LGBTQ students. LGBTQ students, who are structurally stigmatized in Ontario Catholic schools, experience inferior emotional health compared to their nonstigmatized cisgender and heterosexual peers. Literature reviewed demonstrates confidence in a causal relationship; due to the structural stigma that Catholic schools in Ontario perpetuate against the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ students attending these schools experience greater risks to their mental health. It is imperative that LGBTQ youth are protected in schools, and solutions must be considered to balance Catholic religious rights in education with the health and social needs of students.