LGBTQ Health: Youth
Adolescence is a time of important growth and change. During this period (between 12 to 24 years of age), people experience many changes. These include:
- Social and cognitive growth.
- Puberty.
- Other physical changes.
Adolescence can be an exciting time. It can also be a difficult time for some, especially for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) people.
Young people have unique health care needs. These include social and behavioral health needs. LGBTQ youth have similar health concerns as their non-LGBTQ peers. They also have unique concerns. For example, LGTBQ youth in Wisconsin have higher rates of:
- Suicide attempts.
- Smoking.
- Sexual activity at a younger age.
The following resources can help understand the health issues affecting LGBTQ youth.
Resources
- Advocates for Youth—Education for LGBTQ youth about health issues. This includes HIV and substance abuse.
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): LGBTQ Youth—General LGBTQ youth health information
- Health Considerations for LGBTQ Youth—Reports about health outcomes, risks, and disparities among LGBTQ youth
- LGBT Center of Southeastern Wisconsin—Programs in Wisconsin focused on scholarships, resources, and help for quitting smoking
- LGBTQ Health and Development Program—Health-related topics for LGBTQ youth
- Q2: Chippewa Valley LGBTQ Youth Group—Group for LGBTQ youth or allies between the ages of 12-18. Provides a safe space to talk about LGBTQ issues and meet other LGBTQ youth.
- Pride Institute—LGBTQ drug and alcohol addiction treatment center
- Alcohol addiction—Information about alcohol use and addiction among LGBTQ people
- Drug use—Find answers to frequently asked questions about drug abuse symptoms and drug use among LGBTQ people
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Gay and Bisexual Men—Information about cancer risk, prevention, and detection
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Lesbian and Bisexual Women—Information about cancer risk, prevention, and detection
- National LGBT Cancer Network—Information about cancer risks and an online screening reminder
- National LGBT Cancer Project—LGBTQ group that supports and advocates for cancer survivors
Vivent Health—AIDS programs in Wisconsin
- Anxiety Disorders and Depression in LGBTQ Populations—Information on anxiety and depression among LGBTQ people
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—Free 24/7 support service for people in stressful situations. These include thoughts of suicide, mental health concerns, or a substance abuse issues. Call or text 988.
- The Trevor Project—A national group focused on crisis and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth. Toll-free hotline: 866-488-7386
- CDC: Sexually Transmitted Diseases—Information about STDs
- HIV in Youth—Information about the emotional, logistical, and legal aspects of HIV in LGBTQ youth
- CDC: Tips from Former Smokers—Real stories of LGBTQ people struggling with smoking-related conditions
- Smokefree.gov—Government resource to help you or someone you care about quit smoking
- Truth Initiative—Fact sheet on tobacco use in the LGBTQ community
- Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools—Resources to create just schools for LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin
- Northwest Network—Support for abuse and violence victims
- StopBullying.gov—Resources for stopping and preventing bullying