LGBTQ+ Youth: Addressing Health Disparities with a School-Based Approach

Key Takeaways
  • Creating a safe and supportive school environment where LGBTQ+ youth feel connected to people who care is a proven way to promote their health and well-being.
  • LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk for poor mental health, violence, and HIV than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
  • When schools implement LGBTQ+ supportive policies and practices, all students experience better health outcomes.
Key Takeaways
  • Creating a safe and supportive school environment where LGBTQ+ youth feel connected to people who care is a proven way to promote their health and well-being.
  • LGBTQ+ youth are at greater risk for poor mental health, violence, and HIV than their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
  • When schools implement LGBTQ+ supportive policies and practices, all students experience better health outcomes.
Diverse group of students sitting in front of school lockers

Many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ+) youth face social stigma about their sexual choices or identities. Stigma can take many forms, such as discrimination, harassment, family rejection, social rejection, or violence. For LGBTQ+ youth, these experiences can put their health at risk.

Mental Health and Suicidal Behaviors

While poor mental health is a common problem for youth, it is reported far more often by LGBQ+ youth.

* Not all data sets include data on transgender and/or questioning youth. The “T” and “Q” are not used when referring to these data. LGB and LGBQ+ are used as appropriate.

Experiences with Violence

LGBTQ+ high school students experience more violence than their heterosexual peers—both at school and at home.

  • LGBQ+ youth consistently report higher rates of bullying, being threatened or injured with a weapon, and dating violence. They are also more likely to miss school because of safety concerns.
  • Disparities are particularly pronounced in the areas of sexual violence. LGBQ+ students are four times as likely to experience forced sex.
  • During the pandemic, 20% of LGBQ+ students said they had been physically abused by a parent or other adult in their home. For heterosexual students, that figure was 10%.

Risk for HIV

Many youth in the U.S. are living with HIV, and LGBTQ+ youth are the most affected.

  • 23% of new HIV diagnoses are among young men ages 13-24, most of whom identify as gay or bisexual.
  • Despite the higher risk, only 7% of LGBQ+ students have ever been tested for HIV.
  • Many students don’t get inclusive health education. About 51% of schools nationwide provide information on HIV, STDs, or pregnancy prevention that’s relevant to LGBTQ+ students.

What Schools Can Do

LGBTQ+ youth often feel less connected at school. Research shows that when students feel connected to a supportive school community, they do better socially, emotionally, and academically.

When schools implement LGBTQ+-supportive policies and practices, all students experience less:

  • Emotional distress
  • Violence and harassment
  • Suicidal behaviors

CDC’s What Works in Schools program has identified inclusive practices that benefit both LGBTQ+ students and their heterosexual peers. They include:

  • Establishing Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSA)
  • Conducting professional development for school staff on inclusivity
  • Identifying safe spaces
  • Implementing anti-harassment policies
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