Most sexual and gender development theories assume that "normal" development results in heterosexuality and gender is determined by biology and genitalia. These are the theories adults use to define the sexual orientation and gender development of adolescents. Please take a moment to look at some of these in the document Theories of Sexual and Gender Development. Then come back to this spot in the module.
Were these theories interesting? You may have already heard some of themn; unfortunately, they don't provide much guidance for those who work with youth who behave in ways that fall outside the "norm." The healthiest way to view sexual development is as a process without a correct result. Those who want to erncourage healthy sexual and gender development need to embrace the diversity and encourage the natural ambiguity. Your provider should be open to this and accept children who don't fit the male/female dichotomy. He or she should give them the room they need to develop naturally.
The Dangers of Atypical Sexual and Gender Identity Development
Adults often question the validity of youthful experiences and minimize the value of individual expression. They make assumptions about how we should be. They need to learn to trust our ability to define to our own experiences and identities. In this section we'll look at the particular stressors that LGBT youth experience.
Are You at Risk?
Young adults who are L, G, B, or T have many of the same health and safety concerns as other young adults, including everything from acne to raging hormones; however, there are some health issues that specifically impact you in higher numbers. The stress and isolation you experience generate a much higher incidence of depression, substance abuse, anxiety, trauma, and suicide. No one wants to see this happen to you. Review the following list and, if you see yourself in one or more of these definitions, you need to contact a supportive health provider. Information about how to do that is provided after each definition.
- Suicide:
30% of LGBT teenagers complete suicide and 40% have attempted or seriously contemplated suicide. That's more than twice that of heterosexual teens . LGBT teenagers who have been harassed because of their orientation are almost twice as likely to have made a suicide plan as those who had not. And LGBT youth were four times as likely as straight teens to have made a suicide attempt in the past year that was serious enough to have been treated by a doctor or a nurse. If you have considered or planned suicide, check these sources for help or contact your local Gay & Lesbian support center. [NOTE: If you feel you are transgendered, you need not be concerned about whether or not contact with a gay and lesbian group will stigmatize you. These organizations recognize the need for confidentiality and are very supportive of the unique needs of 'trans' people.]
- Hate Crimes
Hate crimes committed against gays, lesbians, and bisexuals make up the third-highest category of hate crimes reported to the FBI. One of the greatest problems is that many of these crimes go unreported. Survivors are often concerned that reporting an attack may increase the risk of being "outed" to families, friends, and the community. So many hate crime survivors suffer in silence rather than risking exposure.
Reactions to a hate crime include denial or pretending it never happened. Some survivors experience physical problems like headaches, insomnia, change in appetite, irritability, withdrawal and sexual difficulties. But whatever the response, you need to find someone safe to tell about the incident. Talking about it can help you understand what happened and recover from it. The important thing to remember is that it was not your fault. You have the right to be who you are, wherever and whenever you choose. The person who violates that right is the guilty party. For more about how to deal with a hate crime, go to the Seattle & King County Health site.
- Assaults
As a sexual minority teenager you are more likely to be physically assaulted at home than a heterosexual teen and nearly five times as likely as straight youth to be attacked because someone thinks you're gay. In 2004, LGBT youth were almost twice as likely as heterosexual youth to be threatened or injured at school by someone with a weapon. Almost half of young gay males and 20% of young lesbians are verbally or physically assaulted in school and you are more likely than straight youth to have been in a fight at school, and three times as likely to have required treatment by a doctor or nurse afterwards. How you deal with such assault will determine the likelihood of it continuing. Here are some resources to help you.
- Violence
You may have left home or been forced to leave home because of homophobic or transphobic family situations or family violence. We know that LGBT youth are more likely to witness violence as well as to be perpetrators of it and in some instances, prostitution and homelessness result. This need not be the case. There are many resources available. The Ali Forney Center in the Chelsea section of Manhattan is just one of many centers in the U.S. that provide "young people with safe, dignified, nurturing environments where their needs can be met, and where they can begin to put their lives back together."
The Point Foundation's list of resources provides additional contact information for homeless youth.
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse
The incidence of alcohol and other substance use and misuse is higher among LGBT youth.
RecoveryConnection.org has a
Treatment Facility Locator to help you find resources in your area.
- Sexual Harassment and Assault
LGBT teens are nearly three times as likely as their straight classmates to say they have been forced into sexual intercourse. Young males in particular, who report same-sex romantic attractions, are more likely to experience extreme forms of violence than youth who report exclusively other-sex attractions. If you are assaulted, the University of Illinois State's Sexual Assault services recommends that you...
- Consider reporting the assault to police.
- Try to preserve all physical evidence. Don't bathe, shower, use the toilet or change clothing. If you must remove your clothing, place them in a paper bag to prevent deterioration of evidence.
- Take care of yourself. Seek medical attention from a hospital, Student Health Service, or another health care provider. Student Health Service cannot complete the rape evidence collection kit (rape kit). A rape crisis advocate can be called to help you through this process at the hospital. Medical care is needed whether or not you report the assault. Follow up care will also be needed.
Our information specifically addressing transgendered youth is sparse; however, evidence suggests that, in addition to the above mental health difficulties, trans youth have medical problems related to self-administering hormones obtained through the black market and without medical guidance, and they are at potential risk for self-harm and self-mutilation as they attempt to deal with the gender confusion that increases with puberty. Few medical doctors will assist transyouth, despite evidence that it lowers their suicidality and they make positive adjustments. This is an unfortunate situation; however, the Internet provides some resources for you if you are a transgendered teen and need help and support.
- Transgender Soul is a teen support group located in Denver; their pages include help for trans teens anywhere
- Lambert House in Seattle is a Seattle drop-in center for sexual minority youth, including young transsexuals; it sponsors a Tuesday night
All Genders Group.
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The PFLAG Transgender Network for Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides excellent resources.
- Mermaids is a UK-based organization devoted to providing information and support to young transgendered persons and their families.
- The Just Evelyn site is by a woman who helped her MtF daughter Danielle begin to transition when she was 15.
- The Anti-Jen Page by Jennifer Lynn is devoted to helping young transsexuals.
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The information provided by Rainbow Access Initiative, Inc. is for educational purposes only and is not intended to render medical advice or professional services. The information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your healthcare provider.
Rainbow Access Initiative is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
These materials were produced through a grant from the New York State Department of Health.
You may not use them without the written permission of Rainbow Access Initiative, Inc.
Permission may be obtained by contacting the Director.
