File photo Auckland University researchers have found significantly more ‘sexual minority’ youth are ‘out’ than just over a decade ago, however has been no progress between on bullying, depression and suicide attempts. The findings come from the New Zealand Adolescent Health Surveys conducted by the Adolescent Health Research Group in 2001, 2007 and 2012 of more than 25,000 young people. About six out of every 100 students reported in the survey that they were attracted to people of the same sex, both sexes, or that they were not sure of their sexual attractions in each survey year – a group researchers describe as ‘sexual minority’ youth. The study authors say in 2012 results, 53.1 percent had told someone close to them about their sexuality, compared to 31.3 percent in 2001. They also found that sexual minority youth were more likely to work as volunteers than straight students and that the majority reported good general health. However the study also shows no progress between 2001 and 2012 in relation to reducing bullying, depression and suicide attempts. “Sexual minority youth are important, vibrant and generous members of our communities,” says study lead author, Dr Mathijs Lucassen. “Everyone can help address the worrying health and well-being disparities experienced by sexual minority youth. We all need to create environments that eliminate bullying and mistreatment towards sexual minority people as well as gender diverse individuals.” The study has been published by the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, which is a journal of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 16th September 2014 - 8:17am