Gay straight teens

Gay-Straight Alliances: Networking with Other Teens and Allies

October 17,
I read this as research for a project I'm working on in my social work in schools class. I was disappointed with the outdated definitions and overall lack of inclusivity for intersex, queer, and trans* folks. The author chose to name the book Gay-Straight Alliances, although there is an acknowledgment that GSA may also stand for Gender-Sexuality Alliance, a far more inclusive term. This choice not only reinforces a gay-straight binary but also erases all other identities in doing so. There are some decent ideas for setting up GSAs; however, the author's focus on including straight allies leaves the population GSAs are intended to help on the periphery of the conversation.

What leads gay, straight teens to attempt suicide?

CHICAGO (AP) — Suicide attempts by gay teens — and even straight kids — are more common in politically conservative areas where schools don't have programs supporting gay rights, a study involving nearly 32, high school students found.

Those factors raised the odds and were a substantial influence on suicide attempts even when known peril contributors like depression and being bullied were considered, said study author Verb Hatzenbuehler, a Columbia University psychologist and researcher.

His learn found a higher rate of suicide attempts even among kids who weren't bullied or depressed when they lived in counties less supportive of gays and with relatively rare Democrats. A high proportion of Democrats was a measure used as a proxy for a more liberal environment.

The research focused only on the mention of Oregon and created a social index to assess which outside factors might contribute to suicidal tendencies. Other teen health experts called it a powerful, novel way to evaluate a tragic social problem.

"Is it surprising? No. Is

Sexual Orientation

Adolescence is the dawn of sexual attraction. It happens due to the hormonal changes of puberty. These changes involve both the body and the mind — so just thinking about someone attractive can cause physical arousal.

These new feelings can be intense, confusing, sometimes even overwhelming. Teens are inception to discover what it means to be attracted romantically and physically to others. And recognizing one's sexual orientation is part of that process.

What Is Sexual Orientation?

The term sexual orientation refers to the gender (that is, male or female) to which a person is attracted. There are several types of sexual orientation that are commonly described:

  • Heterosexual (straight). People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: males are attracted to females, and females are attracted to males. Heterosexuals are often called "straight."
  • Homosexual (gay or lesbian). People who are homosexual are romantically and physically attracted to people of the alike sex: females are attracted to other fema

    Sexual Attraction and Orientation

    As people pass from childhood into their teen years and beyond, their bodies progress and change. So act their emotions and feelings.

    Adolescence Is a Time of Change

    During the teen years, the hormonal and physical changes of puberty usually mean people start noticing an increase in sexual feelings. It's common to wonder and sometimes worry about new sexual feelings.

    It takes time for many people to understand who they are and who they're becoming. Part of that involves better understanding of their own sexual feelings and who they are attracted to.

    What Is Sexual Orientation?

    Sexual orientation is the emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction that a person feels toward another person. There are several types of sexual orientation; for example:

    • Heterosexual. People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: Heterosexual males are attracted to females, and heterosexual females are attracted to males. Heterosexuals are sometimes called "straight."
    • Homosexual. People who are homosexu