This study examined victimization during high school based on sexual orientation of 350 lesbian, gay, or bisexual (lgb) youths aged 21 and younger. Experiences of direct victimization as well as knowledge of other lgb youths' victimization were assessed. Over half reported verbal abuse in high school because of their sexual orientation, and 11% said they had been physically assaulted. Youths who were more open in high school about their sexual orientation and who had a history of more gender atypical behavior were victimized more often. Male youths were targeted significantly more often than females. Youths' current mental health symptoms, especially traumatic stress reactions, were associated with having experienced more verbal abuse in high school.Research suggests that young lesbian, gay, and bisexual (lgb) youths are often the victims of attacks ranging from verbal harassment to physical assault

One hundred ninety‐four lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth between the ages of 15 and 21 were surveyed about victimization due to their sexual orientation. Three areas were assessed: (1) the prevalence of different kinds of victimization, ranging from verbal abuse to armed assault; (2) the specific social contexts in which anti‐lesbian/gay victimization occurred, including family, school, work, and the broader community; and (3) correlates of anti– lesbian/gay victimization, including age‐related sexual orientation milestones, concealability of sexual orientation, sex, race/ethnicity, and safety fears. Most respondents had experienced some form of victimization, with no social environment being free from risk of harm. Particularly vulnerable for abuse were youth who self‐labeled or self‐disclosed at an earlier age and those whose sexual orientation was less concealed or concealable.

This research identified predictors of past suicide attempts in 194 lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth, 15 through 21 years of age, who attended social and recreational groups in urban community settings. In comparison to youth who made no suicide attempts, attempters reported that they had disclosed more completely their sexual orientation to others, had lost more friends because of their disclosures, and had experienced more victimization due to their sexual orientation. Suicide attempters had lower self-esteem and acknowledged more mental health problems. The loss offriends due to youth 's sexual orientation, and current suicidal ideation were among the strongest predictors of suicide attempts. Youth who reported early awareness of their sexual orientation, disclosure to family and friends, peer rejection, and victimization based on their sexual orientation may be at risk for mental health problems.

Three hundred fifty lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths aged 14 to 21 years were questioned about suicidal thoughts and behaviors, families' reactions to youths' sexual orientation, and suicidality among relatives and friends. Results confirmed an association between sexual orientation and suicidality. Nearly half (42%) had sometimes or often thought of suicide; one third (33%) reported at least one suicide attempt. Many related suicidal ideation and suicide attempts to their sexual orientation. Most attempts followed awareness of same-sex feelings and preceded disclosure of sexual orientation to others. One quarter said a family member had made a suicide attempt, and nearly three quarters said a close friend had attempted suicide.

Professional psychology student members (N = 64) of the American Psychological Association's Division 44 (Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian and Gay Issues) were surveyed regarding experiences of perceived heterosexual bias and discrimination in their graduate programs. Instances of bias, discrimination, or both were reported in the following areas: (a) textbooks and other course materials, (b) instructor comments, (c) research supervision, (d) clinical practica and internships, (e) interactions with program administrators and other faculty, (f) teaching assistantships, and (g) course content. Specific examples are detailed, and educational reforms are suggested.In 1975, the American Psychological Association (APA) formally depathologized homosexuality and urged "mental health professionals to take the lead in removing the stigma of mental illness that has long been associated with homosexual orientations" (APA, 1975, p. 633). Despite this resolution, studies suggest that many psychologists and other mental health professionals remain underinformed regarding lesbian and gay issues (e.g.,