What You Should've Learned in School
Netflix’s show, Queer Eye, is a welcome reboot of the original 2003-2007 show with a different Fab Five but a similar premise. Since Netflix’s Queer Eye launched in 2018, critics have been raving about the positivity these five openly gay men bring to the screen.
Each of the Fab Five brings experience and a unique skill-set to the show, and Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk is no exception. [Read more…] about Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk: 9 Little Known (And Fascinating) Facts
Are homosexual animals a real thing? Across decades of research, the answer is a resounding … YES.
In modern society, many people associate homosexuality with human beings and their behavior. Males are supposedly born with a predisposition to be attracted to females, and vice versa. As the logic goes, this is because the goal of attraction is to reproduce the species.
Unfortunately, what this model lacks is a recognition that many variables contribute to the survival of the species, including flexible and varied relationship dynamics between numerous members of the species. [Read more…] about Gay is Natural – These Homosexual Animals Prove It
LGBTQ rights have come a long way over the years.
But how can we better understand the experiences and challenges of certain demographics, especially young LGBTQ people?
Statistics can be a handy way to better understand the life of LGBTQ youth, their experiences, environment, and circumstances. Start by taking a look at some of these facts and figures.
Before we begin, we must remember that statistics alone do not explain the experiences, thoughts, and feelings of all LGBTQ youth.
It is also difficult to accurately understand how many people identify as LGBTQ. There is no consensus about how to measure and record sexual orientation.
Some surveys and research rely on respondents self-identifying as LGBTQ. However, some people may not feel comfortable formally identifying themselves as LGBTQ, whilst others may not be familiar with the terms used when responding.
Other surveys and research organizations make estimates based on reports of sexual behavior and attraction. But again, this is not entirely reliable or accurate.
Therefore, a majority of LGBTQ statistics have been estimated to a certain degree.
Approximately 10.5% of 13- to 18-year-olds — and 9.6% of 19- to 24-year-olds — identify as LGBTQ in the US. And the number of people who identify as LGBTQ is rising.
In 2012, 3.5% of American adults (8.3 million people) identified as LGBTQ. By 2016, this had risen to approximately 4.1% of American adults (10 million people). Hopefully, this shows that people are beginning to feel more comfortable and confident to express who they truly are.
Coming out and being honest about sexual or gender identity can be hugely challenging and frightening, but everyone has the right to be honest about who they are. There are some tips and guidance on what to do when the time feels right.
Statistical data can give an insight into the well-being of LGBTQ youths in America, and the challenges that they have to face. These statistics are shocking.
It is estimated that over 1.8 million LGBTQ youth aged 13 to 24 have seriously considered suicide over the past 12 months.
80% of young LGBTQ people have expressed that they feel severe social isolation, and 92% of LGBTQ young people hear negative messages about being LGBTQ.
Young LGBTQ people often suffer because they are not supported in their homes, schools, and communities. At the same time, 26% of LGBTQ youth report that they are most worried about not being accepted by their family, bullying at school, and fear of being out and open about who they are.
However, there is some positivity. 77% of LGBTQ youth say that they know things will get better. It’s important that we all play our part to make things better now.
A supportive and accepting family is extremely important for all young people, especially those that identify as LGBTQ.
A recent Human Rights Campaign survey concluded that almost 60% of LGBTQ youth are out to their immediate family.
Acceptance and support from family can be hugely beneficial for an LGBTQ young person. It can have a strong and positive effect on self-esteem, mental health, and general health. It can protect against depression, psychological distress, thoughts of suicide, and substance abuse.
However, not all young people feel comfortable coming out to their family, or feel supported by them. Being honest about who you are to unsupportive parents or close family members can be extremely difficult. LGBTQ students have reported that they struggle most with unaccepting families, rather than school classes, exams, or work.
42% of LBGTQ people have expressed that they are living in an unwelcoming or hostile environment. A high number of LGBTQ youth — 67% — have heard family members speak negatively about LGBTQ people.
Lack of support and outright rejection from family members can have a devastating effect. It is estimated that young LGBTQ people who feel rejected by their family are:
Perhaps as a consequence of unsupportive families, LGBTQ youth leave home more frequently than their heterosexual peers. The figures are hugely disproportionate. They represented approximately 5% to 10% of American youth, but 20% to 40% of the homeless youth.
90% of LGBTQ teenagers come out to their close friends.
Having supportive friends is hugely important for young LGBTQ people, much like having an accepting family. Having friends that are loving and accepting can increase an LGBTQ person’s safety, mental health, and overall well-being.
School is a huge part of life for all young people. 64% of LGBTQ youth say that they are out and honest about their gender or sexual orientation with their classmates.
A positive and supportive school environment can hugely support and strengthen the well-being of LGBTQ young people. Gay-straight alliances, anti-bullying policies, and LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum can all help LGBTQ youth to feel safe and accepted.
However, 6 in 10 LGBTQ students report feeling unsafe at school. In another survey, only 5% of LGBTQ students felt that all teachers and staff were supportive of LGBTQ people.
The most distressing school statistic is that many LGBTQ teenagers are harassed at school, and the proportion is even higher for LGBTQ teenagers of color.
Life for LGBTQ youth can be difficult and challenging. But everyone has the right to be honest about who they are, including their sexual and gender orientation. As society continues to accept and understand LGBTQ issues, things are improving.
But LGBTQ acceptance needs to happen everywhere, and it needs to happen now.
If you’re looking for more articles about LGBTQ life, explore this blog.
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Guest Post: Hannah Noble
When I married my wife, Dawna, it brought out a side of me that I had never known before: defensiveness. I saw how much my defensiveness was hurting my partner and pushing her away. I was confused and frustrated by this side of me and I didn’t know what to do about it. I learned the humbling news from the well-respected marriage researcher, Dr. John Gottman, that defensiveness is one of the main predictors of divorce.
I wanted to find a better way, so I set out on a journey to try and learn how to overcome my defensiveness. I don’t have it down perfectly, but I’ve gotten much better. In this article, I’ll share with you what I’ve learned, based on the science of what happens to our brains and bodies in long-term, romantic relationships. [Read more…] about How to Stop Defensiveness in Conflict with Your Partner
As June arrives, Pride Month comes with it to celebrate the Stonewall Riots that served as a critical point in the movement for gay liberation. What’s a better way to celebrate than by reading about these famous lesbian athletes?
Of course, there are thousands of noteworthy lesbian athletes from across different sports, countries and time periods. Each one has contributed their part to LGBTQ+ history.
Nonetheless, the 11 chosen here are noteworthy for their role as trailblazers and advocates.
[Read more…] about 11 Lesbian Athletes Who Are Trailblazers and Advocates