How are LGBTQ Young People Different than Other Minority Populations?

Heterosexual youth have many avenues of support- family, friends, school,
the community- available to help with difficulties that arise as part of
growing up. LGBTQ youth rarely feel able to ask their families, friends,
schools or communities for help, fearing the possible response they may get
 Unlike other minority populations (Jews, African-Americans, Latinos) gay
and lesbian youth do not grow up with people like themselves. Loneliness is
more often experienced by LGBTQ teens due to being “invisible” and
feeling different.
 LGBTQ youth are often not open, leaving them unprotected from
harassment that others may not hear when in face to face situations with
peers. Friendship groups may use the word “fag” to insult someone, or
“that’s so gay” as a put-down
 Other minorities who attend religious services are not openly condemned for
who they are
 Gay teens risk losing self-respect if they “pretend” to be straight in an
attempt to fit in
 Friendships are often less genuine if gay teen is hiding his/her identity and
honesty usually comes with the risk of losing friends
 Many child caring facilities are religiously affiliated and create an
oppressive environment for young people struggling with their sexuality and
may even be openly homophobic and rejecting
 After coming out to their families/foster family, many are thrown out of their
homes or mistreated
 There is official government discrimination or indifference