The LGBT community does not just include adults. The community also includes youth, but there hasn’t been any data recorded of transgender/queer youth. LGB youth are more likely to be faced with violence due to the negative attitudes toward people of the LGB community. Here are some statistics:
- 10% were threatened or injured with a weapon on school property
- 34% were bullied on school property
- 28% were bullied electronically
- 23% of LGB students who had dated or went out with someone during the 12 months before the survey had experienced sexual dating violence in the prior year
- 18% of LGB students had experienced physical dating violence
- 18% of LGB students had been forced to have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives.
This type of exposure to violence can cause many different problems; such as depression, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse and unexcused absences from school. This can also cause them to engage in sexual behaviors that can put them at a greater risk for HIV and other STDs.
I feel as though the youth of the LGB community should be able to have some type of confidant or counselor to talk to at school. I also believe that people who are not a part of the LGB community should be more open minded and also be careful of what they say because some stuff can be very offensive. I also believe that parents of LGB youth should be supportive of their child’s lifestyle choice even if they do not agree with it and I believe that they should listen to what their child has to say.
More Info: https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm
