Description
This report presents key findings from Growing Up LGBT in America, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2012 survey of over 10,000 LGBT-identified U.S. youth ages 13 to 17. Participants reported on their experiences of sexuality- and gender-related openness, mistreatment, and support in their families, schools, communities, and online. They also reported on their current happiness, hopes and dreams for the future, participation in school and community activities, and use of alcohol and drugs. For some questions, LGBT youth responses were compared to those of a non-LGBT youth panel. The report highlights the stigma that LGBT young people continue to face in their families and communities. 54 percent of LGBT youth surveyed had experienced verbal harassment, and almost half felt they did not “fit in” in their communities, compared to just 16 percent of non-LGBT youth. LGBT and non-LGBT youth were similarly optimistic about achieving their life goals, but were much more likely to believe they would not achieve those goals if they stayed in their home city or town. 60 percent of LGBT youth said their families were accepting of LGBT people, while 33 percent said their families were not accepting. However, 75 percent said their peers had no problem with their LGBT identity, and 91 percent were open about their sexual orientation or gender identity with their closest friends.
Learning Objectives
After viewing this video, the learner will be able to:
-
To understand the scope and impact of stigma and harassment among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth.
-
To identify sources of support and areas of optimism among LGBT youth.
-
To compare harassment experiences and psychosocial outcomes among LGBT youth to those of non-LGBT youth.
Authors
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation