A-2. Gay Teens

Rejection of Gay Teens Linked to Later Troubles - Suicide attempts, drug use higher among those whose families don't accept them - Randy Dotinga, Health US News, 29 Dec. 2008

Gay young adults whose families rejected them when they were younger are more likely to have histories of unprotected sex, illegal drug use and suicide attempts, new research suggests.

Parental Rejection of Gay Teens May Cause Risky Behavior - Allie Montgomery, kolotv.com/health , January 16, 2009

In recent decades, some studies have found that bisexual, lesbian, and gay children are much more likely to suffer from a variety of problems which include suicide and depression. Researchers attribute these type problems to social stigma around homosexuality, but there has been a gap in regarding the role of the reaction of these children's families about their sexuality. 
In the most recent study, ...

Study links family rejection of gay youth to child's likelihood of depression, drug use - Lisa Leff, Associated Press & WJHG-Healthwatch, December 31, 2008

Young gay people whose parents or guardians responded negatively when they revealed their sexual orientation were more likely to attempt suicide, experience severe depression and use drugs than those whose families accepted the news, according to a new study. [...]
"She was really concerned," Ryan said. "She saw that her daughter had become increasingly withdrawn and that she was contributing to these feelings of isolation and sadness." [...]
"When providers and adults and family members think of gay people, they think of sex. They don't think of emotional attraction or social interaction or spiritual connectedness or deep-rooted psychological feelings," she said. [...]
"Someone can still be uncomfortable with their child's sexual orientation, but if they are somewhat more accepting and do the best the can, they will do the youth a lot of good."

Study: 14% Of Teens Gay Or Questioning - More Education Needed On STDs - The Canadian Press, January 22, 2008

Most teens are responsible when it comes to sexuality, but lack of knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and their consequences is a concern, says a new study. The research, published in the January issue of Pediatrics and Child Health, found that 27 per cent of teens were sexually active at a mean age of 15 years. [...]
The study found 86 per cent of girls said they were attracted to boys only, while 87 per cent of boys said they were attracted to girls only. Frappier said it's normal at that age for a certain percentage to have questions about their sexual orientation.

Gay student's troubles unheeded - Parents, student say school refused to stop abuse; superintendent says she didn´t know - Phil Garber, Mt. Olive Chronicle, February 14, 2007

James Sharratt remembered what it was like when classmates threw rocks at him on the playground at Mount Olive High School because he was gay. [...]
James said he was 10 when he realized he was gay but that looking back, he said he always knew he was different than the other boys. He said he told friends of his homosexuality when he was 14 but didn't tell his parents until he was 16 and a junior. 
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"I asked the teachers why I was nominated and they said it was because I was gay and open about it," James said. [...]
James showed great courage in talking publicly about his emotions and his concerns.

Gay teen sex scandal shocks Ireland - uk.gay.com, March 5, 2007

The Irish press are currently whipping up a soufflé of old fashioned homophobia, sensationalism and thoughtless scare mongering. It all started when a 14-year old boy was caught having sex with older men. [...]
The ugly scenario has left the boy traumatised, despite the fact that his family claim to be loving and supportive. The lurid headlines, and the ensuing embarrassment for the boy has ensured that he's refusing to co-operate with the police any further. [...]
This style of reporting does nothing but demonise gay men and fuel homophobia. This hateful climate merely creates a society where teenagers feel unable to broach their sexuality with their parents, peers or teachers. [...]
That boy from Sword will suffer long-term damage because anti-gay sentiments are rife in the playground and schools in the UK and Ireland have yet to teach children that it's okay to be gay.