Challenges Faced by Homeless Sexual Minorities: Comparison of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Homeless Adolescents With Their Heterosexual Counterparts
Bryan N. Cochran, MS,
Angela J. Stewart, BA,
Joshua A. Ginzler, PhD and
Ana Mari Cauce, PhD
Bryan N. Cochran and Angela J. Stewart are with the Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle. Joshua A. Ginzler is with the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, Seattle. Ana Mari Cauce is with the Departments of Psychology and American Ethnic Studies, University of Washington.
Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Bryan N. Cochran, MS, Box 351525, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 (e-mail: cochranb{at}u.washington.edu).
Objectives. The goal of this study was to identify differencesbetween gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) homelessyouths and their heterosexual counterparts in terms of physicaland mental health difficulties.
Methods. A sample of 84 GLBT adolescents was matched in regardto age and self-reported gender with 84 heterosexual adolescents.The 2 samples were compared on a variety of psychosocial variables.
Results. GLBT adolescents left home more frequently, were victimizedmore often, used highly addictive substances more frequently,had higher rates of psychopathology, and had more sexual partnersthan heterosexual adolescents.
Conclusions. Homeless youths who identify themselves as membersof sexual minority groups are at increased risk for negativeoutcomes. Recommendations for treatment programs and implicationsfor public health are discussed.
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