LGBTQ+ Youth Experience in America

One could argue that kids face harder realities than adults do each day. Being a kid is wonderful and magical. However, it’s also a time that’s accompanied by self-doubt, low self-esteem and an overwhelming need to fit in. LBGTQ+ youth face all of this, in addition to bullying and ridicule for their sexual orientations and personal identities.

It’s important to acknowledge the struggles that LBGTQ+ youth face each day. While their identities bring them beautiful experiences, it also brings pain and difficulties that other kids do not have to face.

LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender. The plus symbol is indicative of those who are asexual and intersex.

However, education about the struggles these children go through will make it easier for people to help them.

Here are 5 facts about the realities of being an LGBTQ+ youth in America.

1 They’re more likely to be assaulted at school.

LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to experience physical assault at school, according to a study by The Human Rights Campaign . To put that into a percentage, children of this community are 100 percent more likely to experience an assault at school.

The Human Rights Campaign did a survey, which found that LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to be victims of physical assault at school. To put that into a percentage, children of this community are 100 percent more likely to experience an assault at school.

They face physical harm at school, a space which should undeniably be a safe, regardless of one’s identity.

LGBTQ+ youth should be able to go to school and learn, without the fear of physical assault, just like every other child.

2 They are more susceptible to mental illnesses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that LGBTQ+ youth are “at a greater risk for depression, suicide and substance abuse.” This also leads to LBGTQ+ youth participating in risky sexual behaviors, which also put them at greater risk for contracting STIs and STDs.

It’s imperative to bring light to mental health issues facing the youth of this community. LBGTQ+ youth face horrible treatment that lead many to both physical and mental harm.

The mental health issues facing the youth of this community needs to become a conversation in our society. The treatment that many LBGTQ+ youth FACE are leading them to both physical and mental harm.

Mental health resources need to be available to these kids at their schools. Many of them are not out to their families and need a safe space to disclose their feelings.

3 They experience homelessness at a higher level.

In comparison to their heterosexual peers, LBGTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to fall homeless.

It’s common for children in this community to be kicked out of their homes, because their families do not accept them. As a kid, one should not have to figure out adult duties, like paying bills and rent.

Homeless LGBTQ+ kids expose themselves to grave dangers while living on the street. As a result, many of them drop out of school, perpetuating a more dangerous cycle.

Certain members of society need to change their mindset in order to keep these kids off the street and in their homes.

Every city should have a shelter and available resources for LBGTQ+ youth who are at risk of becoming homeless.

4 Most of them experience bullying on school property.

LBGTQ+ youth are also subject to horrible verbal attacks in addition to physical assaults at school.

According to mentalhealthamerica.net,  gay teenagers are unable to receive adequate educations due to the intense bullying they go through. Resulting in high rates of self-harm and suicide attempts in the LGBTQ+ youth community.

As an ally or an adult, one can help to defend these children, provide them support or organize a Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in your school or community. These networks provide the support and guidance many LBGTQ+ people need to make it through their developing school years.

5 Their peers aren’t always the problem.

According to The Human Rights Campaign, 75 percent of LBGTQ+ kids said a majority of their peers don’t have issues with their identities.

This means that adults are the ones that make LGBTQ+ kids feel insecure about their identity. It must be better for them. Adults should be mature enough to not ridicule children for their sexual orientations. Ideally, adults are to be mentors and guides to help and support.

Not to mention, kids learn their behaviors from the adults in their lives. An intolerant parent leads to an intolerant child.

Let’s do better for these kids.

This society should strive to create an accepting and loving world for children. A place where children can be themselves without the fear of harassment or bullying.

The struggles that LGBTQ+ youth face only leads to them to a less than fulfilling life. Unfortunately, many of the struggling youth of the LGBTQ+ do not end up reaching the potential they can. Every kid deserves the chance to grow up and be a happy and successful adult.