Sexual identity and wellbeing
Whilst GLBTI young people may be a smaller subsection of the youth population, they are often over represented in the health and wellbeing services available to support young people. This can generally be attributed to the following:
- Isolation and fear of communicating or sharing feelings and experiences
- Low self-esteem and negative body image (for both males and females)
- Bullying at school or in the workplace
- Negative reaction from friends and/or family
- Above average rates of suicide and self-harm
- Higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders
- Above average use of drugs and alcohol
Research indicates that GLBTI young people are at risk for a number of adverse events and outcomes associated with how other people will react to their sexual orientation or their gender identity. Compared with other wellbeing data for the general youth population, GLBTI young people are more likely to attempt suicide or self-harm and generally use drugs and alcohol at rates higher than their heterosexual peers (Hillier et al 2010).
GLBTI young people are far more likely to experience bullying and harassment from other young people and significant adults in their lives, and to be subjected to verbal, sexual, and physical abuse and other forms of trauma. As a result of these experiences GLBTI young people are more likely to drop out of school and for some, become homeless. These experiences are likely to contribute to the onset of mental health problems that are distinct from the usual troubles experienced as part of normal adolescent development (Wilber et al 2006).
Young people who are GLBTI are part of a distinctive cultural group. They often share a larger cultural identity, which includes a defined set of norms, social events, styles, and use of language. In addition, many of these young people may also come from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, which in turn can add to their experience of discrimination or rejection. Particularly if their cultural or religious background does not support people who are same sex attracted or gender diverse.
Addressing the alcohol and other drug (AOD) needs of GLBTI young people needs to be understood in the broader context of adolescent development and may present challenges to practitioners in the field, particularly as it relates to a person’s own values and beliefs and how this impacts on their ability to engage with GLBTI young people. Challenges stem, in part, from limited knowledge or stereotypes about GLBTI young people. The capacity for mainstream service providers to understand the particular issues experienced by GLBTI young people can also present a challenge. Often GLBTI young people may fear disclosing their identities and, as a result, may be inhibited from seeking the assistance and support that is required. GLBTI young people who are afraid to be open about their identity, or “come out,” may be reluctant to engage if they believe the agency or staff member is not fully cognisant of their situation.
The aims of this module
This module has been developed to enhance practitioners in the field of youth AOD to better understand the capacity for GLBTI young people to engage in treatment services and the ways in which, the practitioner, can better engage and support the young person within their service or agency. This module aims to build on the learning’s from other modules particularly in relation to engagement, to consider the issues that are relevant to GLBTI young people.
