Gay / Bisexual Male Youth Overrepresented in Suicide-Related Problems

The demographic results of a 1997 study indicates that about 10% of male children and adolescents are on a journey to becoming identifiable homosexual or bisexual young adults (1), and the results have been replicated in the Cardia study cohort (2). Their journey is the "coming out" process, usually occurring in adolescence, and it has been extensively studied as an identity formation process (3). Coming out is a social construct, and the same applies to associated problems.Young individuals are recognizing their same-sex attractions/desires (sexual orientation) in a traditionally homophobic society, reflected in the fact that a majority of youth manifest homo-negative attitudes (4, 5), with predictable consequences for GLB (gay, lesbian, and bisexual) youth.

Publication Date: 
1997