So what are we talking about here? GLBTQ
youth are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning
youth. You may wonder, “ Is that really an issue here?” It
is here, just as it is anywhere. GLBTQ youth are often an invisible
minority receiving little support from those around them. We
know that sexual minority youth have higher rates of depression,
school drop out, homelessness, suicide and drug use. To get
a clearer understanding of the importance of this work, consider
the following:
- The GLBTQ youth population
is spread across all demographics and studies estimate
the population to be between 4 % and 10% of the youth population.
- The GLBTQ youth population is also
spread across all economic levels, though sexual minority
youth are more likely then other youth their age to no longer
be welcome in their homes. Service Providers estimate that
GLBTQ youth make up 20-40% of the homeless youth in urban
areas. (Source: The National Network of Runaway and Youth
Services, 1991.)
- 77% of youth identifying as GLB or
as having had same-gender sexual experience(s) reported having
ever used Marijuana, compared to 50% of their peers. (Source:
1997 Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey)
- 59% of self identified gay
and bisexual high school students smoke, compared with
35% of their peers. (Source: Massachusetts public school
study, 1995)
NCO, working with community partners,
established the Community Network Regarding GLBTQ Youth in
November of 2001. This July, the Department of Humans Services
granted NCO funding to continue this important work. The group
meets quarterly with the following goals:
- Provide a safe and respectful environment
for professionals, service providers, and community members
to network, gain access, share resources, provide expertise,
and educate ourselves and other providers on issues related
to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth.
- Provide training for providers
(open to those working with youth in a variety of settings)
to increase professional competencies in working with GLBTQ
youth.
For further information
contact: Karen Jarczyk at 961-2992 extension 223. |
