How does the lack of sex education for queer students impact their mental health and emotional wellbeing? It is important to begin with an acknowledgement of the value of identity validation. Among LGBTQ+ communities across all age groups, geographic locations, and other social identifiers, a common experience is the lack of validation – or even recognition – of queer identities. This can become especially salient within sex educational contexts. I work as a Health Educator with Peer Health Exchange (PHE), a national organization that has college students teaching health education to 9th and 10th graders at local high schools. As I was explaining the work that I do with PHE to a group of students and faculty during Columbia and Barnard’s LGBTQ
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In the case of queer youth, the distinction is almost unimportant – similar risk factors increase their likelihood for physical health challenges as well as mental health challenges. Because of increased exposure to victimization, abuse and harassment, bullying and shaming from peers, teachers, parents, and other community members, LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by STIs, unplanned pregnancy, self-harm, and homelessness. A study by the Center for Disease Control indicated that of the youth aged 13 to 24 who were diagnosed with HIV in 2014, 80% were gay and bisexual males. This incredibly high percentage indicates the disproportionate risk of health challenges that queer youth are exposed to. Additionally, queer youth are more likely to become unexpectedly pregnant than heterosexual youth are, despite that it would seem to be the other way around. Higher instances of substance abuse, hostile environments, sexual, physical, or emotional harassment, and other mental health concerns create a higher likelihood that LGBTQ+ teenagers are more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as having unprotected sex. In addition, the lack of information that pertains to queer youth leaves them with less knowledge regarding how, when, and why to use contraception, leading to this increased percentage of unplanned teen pregnancy. This can be combated by positive instruction in health education classrooms. Lindberg and Maddow-Zimet found that “respondents receiving instruction about abstinence and birth control were significantly more likely at first sex to use any contraception.” Educating queer youth in a way that pertains to their identities, recognizes their humanity, and creates safer environments is an important step towards lowering their risk of contracting STIs or ending up with an unplanned pregnancy. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ youth are
In the case of queer youth, the distinction is almost unimportant – similar risk factors increase their likelihood for physical health challenges as well as mental health challenges. Because of increased exposure to victimization, abuse and harassment, bullying and shaming from peers, teachers, parents, and other community members, LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected by STIs, unplanned pregnancy, self-harm, and homelessness. A study by the Center for Disease Control indicated that of the youth aged 13 to 24 who were diagnosed with HIV in 2014, 80% were gay and bisexual males. This incredibly high percentage indicates the disproportionate risk of health challenges that queer youth are exposed to. Additionally, queer youth are more likely to become unexpectedly pregnant than heterosexual youth are, despite that it would seem to be the other way around. Higher instances of substance abuse, hostile environments, sexual, physical, or emotional harassment, and other mental health concerns create a higher likelihood that LGBTQ+ teenagers are more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as having unprotected sex. In addition, the lack of information that pertains to queer youth leaves them with less knowledge regarding how, when, and why to use contraception, leading to this increased percentage of unplanned teen pregnancy. This can be combated by positive instruction in health education classrooms. Lindberg and Maddow-Zimet found that “respondents receiving instruction about abstinence and birth control were significantly more likely at first sex to use any contraception.” Educating queer youth in a way that pertains to their identities, recognizes their humanity, and creates safer environments is an important step towards lowering their risk of contracting STIs or ending up with an unplanned pregnancy. Furthermore, LGBTQ+ youth are